Thursday, May 08, 2008

cj on condemnation

Because of the gospel’s power, you can be completely free of all condemnation.

Not mostly free; completely free.

Don’t buy the lie that cultivating condemnation and wallowing in your shame is somehow pleasing to God, or that a constant, low-grade guilt will somehow promote holiness and spiritual maturity.

It’s just the opposite! God is glorified when we believe with all our hearts that those who trust in Christ can never be condemned. It’s only when we receive his free gift of grace and live in the good of total forgiveness that we’re able to turn from old, sinful ways of living and walk in grace-motivated obedience.

~ C.J. Mahaney, The Cross Centered Life, 39, 40

HT:OFI

1 comment:

stephen matlock said...

But... this is crazy talk. How will you motivate people to keep themselves doing the right thing? This "love and grace" means people will become irresponsible.

I mean, other people. Not me. I'll keep my own freedom to judge, for example.

;)

reftagger