Self-condemnation is a problem faced by many Christians around the world. It's a very devastating problem that is faced by many who want to prove that they are good, those who want to right what is wrong but cannot, and those who just can't forgive themselves for doing something wrong. Have you ever faced it?
Self-condemnation defined
Self-condemnation is the wrong sense, feeling, thought, or belief that one can never be forgiven and should not be forgiven because of the mistakes, failures and sins that the person committed. It's an attack against the self, labeling one as damned and unacceptable before God. Honestly, it's a personal attempt to punish oneself.
It's something that the devil wants one to do. On the other hand, it's something that God doesn't want.
Self-condemnation is proud
Contrary to how self-condemning people believe, self-condemnation is not an act of humility. It's actually evidence of pride – one that results in a person being unable to live the life that Christ Jesus brings through the cross of Calvary. Truth be told, if we understand what Christ went through for us, there'd be no room for self-condemnation in our lives.
Self-condemnation declares that "I should never be forgiven." Christ's blood purchased that forgiveness for us.
Self-condemnation says "I'll never change." Christ's sacrifice nailed our sins on the cross, and His resurrection gives us the grace to change from the inside out.
Self-condemnation shouts, "I hate myself!" Christ's cross eternally declares that God loves us, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The gospel breaks self-condemnation
Friends, I've battled with self-condemnation for so many times. I know what I am saying when I say that it hinders a person from thoroughly embracing and enjoying the grace that God has supplied and is supplying in our lives in Christ. True enough, Christ's atoning sacrifice alone frees us from condemnation!
Romans 8:1-2 tells us "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."
Christ's cross frees us
Think about it, friends. When we were without Christ, we were condemned to eternal death. But Christ took upon Himself our punishment, the very punishment that we want to receive when we condemn ourselves. In exchange for His pain and agony, we are given the forgiveness of our sins. We receive Christ's righteousness in exchange for our sinfulness.
Friends, Christ took away all the reasons for us to condemn ourselves because He died once and for all so that we could be forgiven, and be given a new heart and the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
Believe it. In Christ, you are forgiven and given the new life. Stop condemning yourself for what Christ has already forgiven and set you free from. You're already free.
