We continue today to look at Scripture verses that shine love and grace into the fallen human condition. Jesus spoke of God’s Word as “seeds” we are called plant in the soil of people’s hearts, bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God. Over the past two weeks, we have sown “Seeds of Forgiveness” into the dirt of sin, and scattered “Seeds of Reconciliation” over barren acres of separation from God. Today’s topic is a tough one, which makes the good news all the more welcome.
Have you ever heard someone ask, “Would God really condemn me because I [insert a specific sin here]? So, I live my life as a good person, and God sends me to hell just because I [insert a specific sin here]?” These are troubling questions, not only due to the frightening thought of eternal penalty, but also because they stir up the false notion of a petulant God callously sentencing “good people” to the abyss. They presuppose that we are morally OK—good enough by our own virtue to stand in the presence of a sinless God. If this were true, our misgivings might be understandable; as it is, our misunderstanding creates unjust misgivings. As God said to Job, “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?”1
Jesus makes reality clear: “Whoever does not believe [in the Son of God] stands condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”2 We do not begin at the pinnacle of moral virtue only to be toppled by a sinful act, rather we are by nature sinful people, deserving of wrath, yet saved from condemnation through God’s supreme act of grace. See for yourself . . .
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:18
Just as one trespass [original sin] resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act [Jesus’ sacrifice] resulted in justification and life for all people. Romans 5:18
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2
Let us not fall for Satan’s deceptions, but instead firmly root ourselves in truth and be ready to sow these Words of salvation in the fertile fields around us.
Father, Jesus has taken upon Himself the condemnation we deserve, and we live now as people saved through faith in Him. Take us—every bit of us—as Your own. May our lives shout Your glory and, in every way, bear the good news of salvation. In Christ we pray. Amen.
1 Job 40:8
2 John 3:18
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Paul Nordman—Author 