From Condemnation to Consolation
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10
Sometimes we vainly think we are sinless due to not actually acting out a sin and yet some have “conceived” sin in the heart and so it is a violation of the holiness of God who “looketh upon the heart” of all men (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 15:3; Matthew 5:28; James 1:13-15). I fear for the souls of those who look clean and spiritual on the outside to mere men and yet are full of hatred, lust, covetousness, adultery, and uncleanness on the inside where all sin originates/is conceived.
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” Matthew 15:18-20
"True holiness" only comes from God Himself who works within the heart of the abiding believer who is walking in the light with our LORD Jesus (Ephesians 4:21-24; John 15:1-16; 1 John 1:7).
The pharisaaical wolves of today teach an outward religion that is void of the life of God and leading millions to eternal damnation.
Like the hell bound Pharisees of Christ’s day, some today look down upon other believers who have actually acted out a certain sin. Yet, God looks on the heart and sees the wickedness of their own hearts even though men can’t see that iniquity.
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” Matthew 23:25-28
All sin must be repented of – secret, presumptuous, heart only, and/or performed sin. God is able when we truly submit our lives to Him who is worthy.
“Moreover by them (God’s words) is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:11-14
When we are blessed to have a truly repentant heart and sincerely render repentance, the blood of Jesus touches the conscience and cleanses us to march on fully guiltless, blessed, and thankful to serve our LORD and Master.
“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Hebrews 9:14
What does God’s Word instruct His children to do with the past and the present?
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
No one has to sin – it’s a choice. Yet, when the believer returns to the LORD and is forgiven and cleansed afresh by Christ’s perfect blood, he can say with the apostle Paul: "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:33-34)
To anyone who would condemn you, you could proclaim the Good News to that person something like this: “Well If I am such a terrible being, shameful, sinful, deceitful, and whatever else you are saying about me, then that gives great hope to YOU! Why? – because if the LORD can receive my confession and repentance and bestow His divine grace and mercy on me, forgive, restore, and bless my life once again after I sinned/erred, then He can do the same for you!!!! Hallelujah!!!!!””
In light of our own utter need for God’s present grace and mercy, we should view our brethren and sisters with great mercy and grace in God’s restorative love. As we ourselves have been granted undeserved, and unmerited mercy, we should be possessed with this same joy and blessing in our thoughts toward others (Ephesians 4:32).
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
Never forget the myriad of benefits that were purchased by the very blood of the Son of God for you:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” Psalms 103:2-5
Full access to the Father has been granted:
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly (with full confidence) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
Abundant pardon awaits all who come with contrite and sincere heart before the LORD, obeying His requirement to confess and forsake any sin:
“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7
When condemned by others over a sin you committed in the past, remember this: "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:33-34)
May the LORD also bless us to extend His mercies and compassion on the fallen also. They are new every morning praise God.
The LORD told us that He "delighteth in mercy" but only gives it to those who fear Him and obey what He says. He will eternally condemn all who die in sin and yet the LORD delights to restore and does not desire that any should perish (Ps. 103:11; Isaiah 1:18-20; Lam. 3:19-23; Micah 7:18-19; 2 Pet. 3:9).
“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. 19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19
todd tomasella
Links:
http://safeguardyoursoul.com
http://womenwhofeargod.com/
http://momentswithmymaster.com
http://todd-tomasella.com
http://predatorsinourpulpits.com/
http://everywordofgodispure.blogspot.com/
http://everywordofgodispure.blogspot.com/2011/02/todd-tomasella-downward-dyingupward.html
http://everywordofgodispure.blogspot.com/2011/02/todd-tomasella-love-one-another.html
http://everywordofgodispure.blogspot.com/2011/02/revelation-1-todd-tomasella.html
