CONDEMNATION

"Condemnation" is an ugly word. Not a single one of us enjoy being condemned of anything. Regardless of where it may occur; whether at home by our parents, or at school or in the courts, to be condemned is an awful feeling. However, there is going to be a condemnation of many at the Day of Judgment that will be far worse. What is it that will bring this condemnation upon so many?

A verse from God's Word that comes immediately to mind is: (Rom 6:23) "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Another verse that points out the cause of condemnation is: (Prov 12:2) ''A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. " It doesn't require much thinking to decide which man you want to be found by the Lord, does it? I assure you I desire to be found by God as a "good man" I.e. I want God to look upon me with "favour". How do I obtain this "favour" in the eyes of God?

Allow me to answer this question with scripture: (John 3: 18) "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 5:24) "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (Rom 8:1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

As we notice John 3:18 we see both the positive and the negative sides. Those who "believe are not condemned" and those that "believe not are condemned already". Again in John 5:24 Jesus stresses the importance of believing in connection with condemnation. The apostle Paul makes a very important statement concerning condemnation; he tells us there is "no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus". Therefore it becomes very necessary for us to know how to get into Christ! Since Paul brought up the subject of "being in Christ" it would be only fitting to allow him to tell us how this is accomplished: (GaI3:27) ''For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. "

If you have as great a fear of "condemnation" as I do, I can't help but wonder if you have taken the necessary step to avoid "condemnation"?