condemned?
"Jesus said, 'Nor do I condemn you. You may go. But from now on, avoid this sin.' " —John 8:11
In Jesus, there is no condemnation (Rm 8:1). "God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him avoids condemnation, but whoever does not believe is already condemned for not believing in the name of God's only Son" (Jn 3:17-18). This passage states that no one who believes in Jesus is condemned, but everyone who does not believe in Jesus is condemned.
In Jesus, there is no condemnation (Rm 8:1). Outside of Jesus, there is nothing but condemnation, not just for the future but also for the present. Nonetheless, Jesus refuses to condemn even those who refuse to believe in Him. He promised: "I am not the one to condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save it" (Jn 12:47). Rather, those who refuse to believe in Jesus are condemned by God's word. Jesus said: "Whoever rejects Me and does not accept My words already has his judge, namely, the word I have spoken — it is that which will condemn him on the last day" (Jn 12:48).
Paradoxically, Jesus, Who has never condemned us, was condemned by all of us. Then He not only forgave us but also loved us enough to be condemned to death in place of us who condemned Him. Jesus says: "I could say much about you in condemnation, but no, I only tell the world what I have heard from Him, the Truthful One Who sent Me" (Jn 8:26).
Prayer: Jesus, I repent of condemning You by my sins. Lord, have mercy on me.
Promise: "The whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God Who saves those that hope in Him." —Dn 13:60
Praise: When going through trials and temptations, Kelsey clings to Jesus, Who comes to save and not condemn.
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 11, 2008
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