There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)
I asked him a question that I often ask people and was rather surprised by his answer: “What does God think of you when you really screw up?” He said, “Disappointed. Like, ‘here you go again.’” Forgive me, but the first thought I had was, “How could a man graduate from an Evangelical seminary and not understand the grace of God?”
No doubt it wasn’t all his fault. He grew up with a dad who told him he was worthless. He ministered in churches that apparently cared a lot more about numbers, budgets, buildings, bylaws, and legalism, than demonstrating the love and grace of God.
Christian, do you know that all of the disappointment, displeasure, and dislike your Father could ever have for you was poured out and exhausted completely on your big Brother Jesus Christ? The only feelings your Father ever has for you any more is compassion in your bad times, and joy in your good ones. We are no longer living under the Old Covenant when God’s feelings about His people depended on their performance. God has a New Agreement with us to no longer remember our sins, let alone be effected by them (cf. Hebrews 10:16-17). And it is because our sins have truly been erased from our past, present, and future record, that “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” None. Never.
I am so glad that I have spiritually grown up in a movement of churches that have consistently preached and practiced the grace of God. Pray for my friend who didn’t.