You’re not a pendulum, Christian
Excerpt from One Thing:
“The Christian is not one who swings like a spiritual pendulum, as if forgiven one moment and condemned the next, only to be forgiven yet again, endlessly back and forth between God’s redeeming grace and retributive wrath.
Paul couldn’t have been more explicit. The definition of a Christian is one who is not now nor ever shall be condemned: no condemnation!
A believer may feel condemned. For that matter, an unbeliever may feel forgiven (even though he isn’t)!
But this is not an issue of subjective sensations or inner impressions. This is our eternal position in Christ, now and forever.“
– Sam Storms
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1
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Every day in October I’m sharing a short quote on grace from a favorite book.
Good one.
The point is being IN Christ. Many non-Christians (and far too many Christians) seem to think that salvation is a get-out-of-jail-free card; one can gleefully sin away, secure in the knowledge that it will all be forgiven.
Taking the prize while ignoring the Giver is at best discourteous. At worst it has another name – apostasy.
It’s wonderful to know that our salvation and standing with God is based on Him and His Word and His character, not on how we feel on any given day.
what a cool reminder – we are not pendulums. I think though I live like am one. always seeking balance, trying to be restored, finding that middle ground… Jus think I don’t have to fight this any more, The battle is won. Thanks for the deep reminder, Lisa.
Hi Lisa,
I’m thankful for God’s gentle nudging convictions for times in my life when I need to get something reconciled with him, and then so floored by his wiped-clean-philosophy after that! Wow.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Well, that was just plain awesome…
I love this post Lisa. Also love the verse in the KJV, there is therefore no condemnation for those who walk after the Spirit. For sure there are times I don’t walk in the Spirit but I am not under condemnation when I fail. That truth brings me to repentance and back into fellowship with Him. Important truth to walking an abundant life here on this earth in a vessel that is full of cracked and broken in so many places. I just pick them and bring them to Him to bring glory out of .
Great quote! And so true. Eternal position with Christ – yes! Another example of how we should not rely on our feelings, but lean on the facts. And the facts, the Truth, is that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. I’m glad that my condemnation was nailed to a cross, my punishment borne by a perfect Savior.
Some more verses from Romans 8:
“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.”
Oh, what blessed disciples and children we are!
GOD BLESS!
Great post, great comments. We can’t rely on feelings we have to stand on God’s word.