Our fearful bill of guilty charges for committing countless sins in the past, today, and into the future was removed from us and nailed to Jesus' cross (Colossians 2:14). Across this bill, one could perhaps see a heart transforming inscription, penned in the blood of Christ:
"This person's sin debt has been forgiven and paid in full by Jesus Christ. There is not one iota of evidence left to accuse this person as Jesus took it. No further proceedings will ever be brought against this person for these charges. They leave this court in peace, free and forgiven of all sin. Their former torn and filthy clothes have been discarded, and they depart dressed in the new unstained garments of the holy and glorious King Jesus.” (Zechariah 3:4-5)
Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in adultery or her accusers, and He does not condemn us because, at Golgotha’s hill, Jesus mediated for all of us, crying out to His Father with a heart full of mercy:
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
At times, under the weight of self-condemnation, our fear and anxiety escalate. The Accuser reminds us of the gravity of our sins and tempts us to doubt the work of Jesus on our behalf to blot out our transgressions and fulfill every letter of the Law.
But we do not have to listen or accept such condemning thoughts (1 Corinthians 5:7) because through His death on the cross, Jesus has spoken a better word of mercy, love, peace, and forgiveness (Hebrews 12:24). Satan and sin no longer have power over us (Romans 6:6-8, Hebrews 2:14).
We slay accusing thoughts at their root, disarming and triumphing over the evil one by the unseen and eternal truth of God's Word, which is always centered in the cross of love:
“God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:13-14
Question 1: In Psalm 40, David says: “My sins have caught me so that I cannot see a way to escape. I have more sins than hairs on my head, and I have lost my courage.” (Psalm 40:12 NCV). What is your experience of being fearful because of the weight of sin and self-accusation?
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Question 2: As you fix your gaze on Jesus welcoming you to abide in Him at the cross, hear Him saying: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1 NIV). How does this truth minister to you in your circumstances today?
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We are set free from the fear of punishment through Jesus’ death in our place.