Whenever we, as children of God, feel that we have done something wrong, our natural tendency is to condemn ourselves.
The word of God, however, instructs us to “assure our hearts” before him.
Please read the following scripture…
I John 3:19-21 (KJV)
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Also…
1 John 3:19-21 (AMP)
19 By this we shall come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we are of the Truth, and can reassure (quiet, conciliate, and pacify) our hearts in His presence,
20 Whenever our hearts in [tormenting] self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. [For we are in God’s hands.] For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows (perceives and understands) everything [nothing is hidden from Him].
21 And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God,
The natural tendency of mankind is to condemn ourselves whenever we have done something wrong. Because of our failings, we believe that God no longer wants to use us. That is absolutely untrue. God loves his children and never stops desiring to use us. It’s the devil that would have you think otherwise. He hates God’s children and tries to drive a wedge between them and their Savior. Scripture is the key, not your human understanding.
Definition… The word condemnation implies “that something is no longer suitable to be used,” like a condemned building.
If you feel in any area of your life that you are unworthy to be used by God, then you are feeling the pangs of condemnation. These are lies from the devil, plain and simple.
Rom 8:1 (KJV)
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh (feelings – my word), but after the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit wants to show you that though you feel unworthy and condemned, you are still “the righteousness of God” without shame. He wants to bring you to a place of confidence, where condemnation is not present, or exists.
1 John 3:21 (KJV)
Beloved, if our heart condemns us not, then have we confidence toward God.
God will never put you on a shelf, nor declare you unusable.
His love is not conditional, nor based on your personal performance. He does not love you more when you do right, or less when you do wrong. Very few of God’s children have understanding concerning this revelation.
When the churches speak about righteousness, many believe that it means doing right things, or performing righteous actions.
Friends, there are only two types of righteousness.
Rom 9:30-33 (KJV)
What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Type #1 – A righteousness associated with the law, works, or performance (Ten Commandments).
Type #2 – A righteousness that comes by faith.
(Because of the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we are made righteous in Him by faith).
Rom 10:1-4 (KJV)
Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Also…
Rom 9:30-33 (NIV)
30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the “stumbling stone.” 33 As it is written:
“See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Alright then. Do we still need the righteousness of right actions –Yes we do!
Example: It would be very difficult to have a marriage based on grace alone. I dare say that very few people are going to love or respect you simply by grace. Until we die, we are confined to our physical body. If your actions are not right in your marriage then obviously your marriage is going to suffer, or be destroyed. The same goes for your relationships with other people. Those relationships will also be irreparably harmed.
If you do not do right things in society you are going to suffer the consequences of the wrong actions you take.
Please take note…
The flesh and the spirit are completely separate. Your right actions in the flesh, towards other people/ family are necessary while we are in our physical bodies so that we have, or live-in harmony with one another. These right actions in the flesh, however do not translate into favor with God. Our good works are important, but remember, we cannot please God with good work. We please God with faith, not good works. When it comes to God your right actions mean nothing.
Rom 1:3 (KJV)
For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Remember this…
You cannot relate to God with self-right (human) acts and also righteousness, which is based on spiritual faith, at the same time.
Religion wants us to believe we can mix both good works and faith, thinking we’ll please God in every area, but it cannot be done. The Word of God (Bible) is crystal clear.
You’ll either relate to God based upon your human actions (performance), which will get you nowhere with God, or on the basis of his faith, which will unlock all of heaven for you.
In order to walk in the righteousness of God, you have to submit unto the righteousness that comes by faith.
2 Cor 5:21 (KJV)
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
You are created righteous when you became born-again, righteousness by faith cannot be earned, it is a gift from God.
Eph 4:24 (KJV)
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Even when your actions do not line up with Gods standard, you can be assured that you are still the righteousness of God; in right standing with God.
Eph 1:6 (KJV)
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Finally, friends…
How can truth ever make you free if you are not living in the truth, as proclaim in scripture? Read it for yourself.