The Will NO CONDEMNATION
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:17.
Justification, which includes freedom from the guilt of our past sins, prepares us for sanctification, which includes ultimate freedom from our present sinning. If you don't have justification straight, you will be confused on sanctification as well. In order to be able to accept the power of God for our present sins, we must understand that He does not condemn us for our sins of the past. When we come to Him for justification, not only does He forgive us but we stand before Him as though we had never even sinned. It is this freedom from guilt and condemnation that allows us to experience the growth and victory in our lives that come from knowing that we are at peace with God.
In Steps to Christ, page 49, the first paragraph talks about a failing and discouraged life. It then says, "It is peace that you need." Have you thought that in order to have peace you had to get your life fixed up first, and have victory over your sins? No, it is the peace with God that gives you the power for your life to be changed. Peace doesn't come from victory--victory comes from peace. It is feeling that you are rejected that keeps you in your sins and failures. Loving acceptance paves the way for growth.
Satan has triumphed time and time again by getting religious people to believe that when they fall or fail, they are condemned. But Romans 8 says it is God that justifies. Who is he that condemns? You know who condemns. It is Satan! John 3:16 is a well-known text--but have you learned verse 17? "For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him through him might be saved."
Have you ever heard discussions about which is more important, justification or sanctification? I'd like to remind you that the question is a foolish one. Sanctification must be based solidly on justification. They are both important! It's like asking which is more important, getting married or staying married. They are both important! They are important for different reasons, but they are both important. What God has done for us and what He wants to do in us are both good news. They are both included in salvation.
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