Consequences, Not Condemnation

Most of us are familiar with Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

So what does this verse mean, exactly?  Well, no condemnation, no fear of hell or eternal damnation, for those who are part of the body of Christ, those who have been baptized into Him by the Holy Spirit (not speaking of water, but spiritual baptism – see 1 Cor. 12:13).

Does this mean that we can all do whatever we want, and there will be no consequences?  Nope.  A consequence is a result of an action.  Remember Newton’s third law that we all learned in school?  For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.  Or in Bible-lingo, we reap what we sow.

How we live while we’re on this earth is largely a result of our own doing.  Yes, there are circumstances that are beyond our control, like where we were born, who our parents were, and so on.  But choices that we make can and do have natural results.

For example, how do we react when we’ve been wronged?  Studies have proven that unforgiveness leads to health problems, such as headaches, backaches, immunity problems, and even cancer.

What about drug abuse?  Some drugs have medicinal uses, but use can quickly turn to abuse and eventually bondage, even for the believer.

I could go on and on, about toxic thinking, overeating, strife, sexual misconduct and perversions, and so on.  But know this:

  1.  We have choices.

  2.  Actions have consequences.

So “let us press on to maturity” (Heb. 6:1).  Let’s take care of ourselves, and stop reaping the consequences of careless living.  Let’s start living the abundant life that Jesus paid for with His own life!

Peace - Davina