GUILTY BUT NOT CONDEMNED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Supporting Texts: Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10

INTRODUCTION

Every human being is guilty before God because of sin. The Bible declares in Romans 3:23 that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Sin separated man from God, bringing condemnation and eternal death. However, through Jesus Christ, God provided a way of escape. Though we were guilty, Christ took our punishment so that we might be justified before God.

God’s love is so great that He sent His Son to die for us even while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Now, through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive righteousness as a gift. We may have been guilty, but in Christ, we are no longer condemned. This message reveals how God, in His mercy, delivers us from condemnation and grants us a new identity in Christ.

1. ALL MEN ARE GUILTY BEFORE GOD

Sin has made every human being guilty before God.

a) The Universality of Sin
Romans 3:10 says, "There is none righteous, no, not one." No one is exempt from the stain of sin.

b) Sin Brings Separation from God
Romans 6:23 declares that "the wages of sin is death," showing that sin leads to both spiritual and physical death.

c) The Law Reveals Our Guilt
Romans 7:7 states that the law makes us aware of sin. Without the law, sin would not be recognized.

d) Man's Effort Cannot Save Him
Romans 3:20 teaches that no one can be justified by the works of the law, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

e) Biblical Example: The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:3-11)
She was guilty under the law, but Jesus did not condemn her. Instead, He offered her grace and a new beginning.

2. JUSTIFICATION THROUGH CHRIST

Though we are guilty, God justifies us through Christ.

a) Salvation is by Faith, Not Works
Romans 3:28 states, "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."

b) Christ Died for Our Justification
Romans 5:9 teaches that we are justified by the blood of Jesus.

c) Righteousness is Imputed to Us
Romans 4:5 explains that God justifies the ungodly, and faith is counted for righteousness.

d) We Receive Justification Freely
Romans 3:24 declares that we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham (Romans 4:3-5)
Abraham was not justified by works but by faith, and it was counted to him as righteousness.

3. NO CONDEMNATION IN CHRIST

When we are in Christ, we are free from condemnation.

a) Freedom from Condemnation
Romans 8:1 assures us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

b) Christ Took Our Punishment
Romans 8:3 states that Jesus condemned sin in the flesh so we could be free.

c) The Law of the Spirit Sets Us Free
Romans 8:2 says, "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

d) We Are Now Sons of God
Romans 8:15 tells us that we have received the Spirit of adoption, making us children of God.

e) Biblical Example: Paul (Romans 7:24-25)
Paul recognized his wretchedness but found deliverance in Jesus Christ.

4. HOW TO WALK IN THIS FREEDOM

To live free from condemnation, we must walk in obedience to Christ.

a) Live by Faith in Christ
Romans 5:1 says, "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

b) Renew Your Mind
Romans 12:2 commands us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

c) Walk in the Spirit
Romans 8:4 teaches that those who walk after the Spirit fulfil the righteousness of the law.

d) Reject the Accusations of the Enemy
Romans 8:33-34 assures us that no one can lay a charge against God’s elect, for Christ intercedes for us.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24)
He was guilty, but when he repented, the father welcomed him without condemnation.

5. THE ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE

Through Christ, we have the hope of eternal life.

a) God’s Gift is Eternal Life
Romans 6:23 says, "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

b) Confession of Christ Brings Salvation
Romans 10:9-10 declares that if we confess and believe in Jesus, we shall be saved.

c) Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love
Romans 8:38-39 assures us that no force can separate us from God’s love.

d) We Are More Than Conquerors
Romans 8:37 proclaims that in Christ, we are more than conquerors.

e) Biblical Example: The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-43)
Though guilty, he was not condemned because he placed his faith in Jesus.

CONCLUSION

Every one of us was guilty before God because of sin. However, through Jesus Christ, we have received justification, freedom from condemnation, and the promise of eternal life. No matter your past, if you are in Christ, you are a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). Instead of living in guilt, embrace the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for delivering me from condemnation through Christ.
2. Lord, help me to live in the reality of my justification in Christ.
3. Every voice of accusation speaking against me, be silenced in Jesus' name.
4. I receive the grace to walk in the Spirit and not fulfil the desires of the flesh.
5. Let the power of the Holy Spirit renew my mind daily.
6. I reject every guilt and shame from my past in Jesus' name.
7. Father, strengthen my faith to always trust in the finished work of Christ.
8. Let the assurance of salvation be firm in my heart.
9. Lord, help me to lead others to the freedom found in Christ.
10. I declare that I will walk in victory over sin and condemnation.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You are justified by faith, and no condemnation shall stand against you.
2. Every guilt and shame of your past is erased by the blood of Jesus.
3. You will walk in the liberty and victory of Christ.
4. No voice of the enemy shall keep you bound in fear or condemnation.
5. The righteousness of Christ shall be evident in your life.
6. The power of sin is broken, and you are free forever.
7. You will live daily in the assurance of God’s love and salvation.
8. Every accusation against your destiny is nullified in Jesus' name.
9. The peace of God shall rule over your heart and mind.
10. You are a testimony of God’s grace and mercy, and you shall shine for His glory.

May the Lord keep you in His grace, and may you walk daily in the freedom of Christ, knowing that though you were guilty, you are not condemned. In Jesus' name, Amen!