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Discussion Forum : Scriptures and Doctrine : Condemnation and Salvation

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fromtheold
Member



Joined: 2006/10/25
Posts: 161
South Africa

 Condemnation and Salvation

I have a question. What if someone struggles with condemnation and you want to explain this scripture to them:


Quote:
1 John 3

18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.



How do you explain vs 20 to someone struggling with condemnation even though they repented?


_________________
esvl

 2010/8/16 16:39Profile
sojourner7
Member



Joined: 2007/6/27
Posts: 1573
Omaha, NE

 Re: Condemnation and Salvation

What is the source of condemnation??
We examine ourselves to find we just
don't measure up to the expectations
of GOD or others. We realize we don't
have any merit or worth apart from
Christ. HE alone makes us acceptable
of mercy in GOD'S sight.
Romans Ch 8 tells us that there is no
condemnation for those who have received
GOD'S mercy because of the sacrifice of
Christ. Christ has justified us by HIS
marvelous, wonderous grace.


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Martin G. Smith

 2010/8/16 18:13Profile









 Re:

Often Jesus' followers confuse condemnation with a conscience that condemns them.

People think this is condemnation, but actually is guilt.

To be biblically 'condemned' is a decree, just as 'justified.'

Today we would say "guilty" or "not guilty."

There is a world of difference between our conscience condemning us, and God's condemnation.



(hope that helps with v.20 .)


Love, Hope, and Faith,
gregg

...I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Acts 20:31-32

 2010/8/16 18:44
Matthew2323
Member



Joined: 2004/5/17
Posts: 235
Colorado

 Re: Condemnation and Salvation

Esvl,

The thrust of John’s message is who we are in Christ. “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God… Beloved, now we are children of God… (1 John 3:1, 2) He writes, “so that our joy may be made complete.” (1 John 1:4, 2 John 1:12) Even in the passage you sited, v.19, after a hard teaching on not practicing sin, John wants our hearts to have assurance of God’s love and so he states the obvious; “God is greater than our heart and knows all things.” (v. 20)

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:1-4)

The fact that God’s Spirit resides in every believer is evidence of God’s love and with God’s love as our foundation, hope does not disappoint.

We are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6) not by works of righteousness (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:3) Jesus is not only our righteousness but our sanctification as well (1 Corinthians 1:30)

When struggling with condemnation however, it is important to understand that our flesh is no friend to spiritual progress (Galatians 5:17, Romans 8:6) and there is also the accuser of the brethren, Satan (Revelation 12:10). The process of sanctification is difficult. “AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?” (1 Peter 4:18) As Paul stated in Romans 5, these tribulations lead us to a hope that is founded in God’s immutable love. We must realize that we are in a spiritual battle and are fighting against indwelling sin, a dethroned despot. As such, we should expect some cuts and bruises along the way, but they should not be self-inflicted!

Of course, we do not sin that grace may abound (Romans 6:1) and there should be a godly sorrow over our sin that leads us to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:11). But, this is a gift, not a work. (Acts 5:31, 2 Timothy 2:25) If God has granted repentance what place is there for condemnation; that is a sorrow that leads only to death (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Therefore, the best defense against any attack of condemnation is to pray for a biblical understanding of God’s love.

Grace and peace,
Matthew


_________________
Matthew

 2010/8/19 7:27Profile
fromtheold
Member



Joined: 2006/10/25
Posts: 161
South Africa

 Re:

Thanks all for answering!


_________________
esvl

 2010/8/19 7:58Profile





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