No Condemnation (Psalm 103)

One of the most fascinating descriptions of Satan in the book of Revelation is that he is our great accuser – he keeps record of our wrongs, he lies to us and says that we are unlovable, unredeemable, and that we always fall short. This is why I love the truth in Psalm 103, where David assures us, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:11-12 ESV) Satan says we have gone too far, we are unforgivable, and we are a lost cause. David reminds us that if we come to God in a spirit of repentance, we can always find His steadfast love. 

So just how patient is the love of God? David assures us, “...the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting…” (Psalm 103:17a), which is the definition of a very long time. A friend of mine likes to call the schemes of Satan “stinking thinking.” He likes to hit us with lies of shame and guilt. David reminds us through this wonderful hymn of praise that God’s merciful nature and blessings are greater than the accusations of Satan. This phrase from the book of Romans is worth memorizing: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) 

As GotQuestions.org states, “The believer’s new position, received by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), cannot be taken away. Once God declares someone righteous, no one can correctly accuse that person or justly condemn him (Romans 8:31–34). There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. When Jesus died on the cross, He took our condemnation upon Himself; He took the punishment that was due us all (1 Peter 3:18). All who believe in Him have eternal life (John 6:47) and are no longer condemned by God… no created thing (including an individual) can separate anyone from the love of God that is in Christ. When Paul affirms that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), we can be confident of our secure position in Christ.” 

That is truth worth celebrating!

Expectantly,

Shawn