No Condemnation in Christ
Peter was devastated when he realized that he had denied Christ, just as Jesus had foretold. This was the man who just hours earlier had vowed to die for Christ. He probably spent the next few days suffocating under a weight of guilt. Maybe you know how heavy the burden of sin is. The weight goes everywhere with us, dragging our heart toward despair. However, for all who have trusted that Jesus’ death paid the penalty for their sin, the feeling of condemnation is just that — a feeling. The fact is, believers are not condemned for their sin, no matter how terrible or habitual it may be. We sometimes judge ourselves harshly because our actions and motives fall short of a holy standard, but when God looks at a Christian, He sees the righteousness of Christ. No one can do enough good to merit their own salvation — Jesus alone removes the believer’s sin. God understands our heart’s burdens. That’s why the angel at the empty tomb delivered a message that specifically named Peter. The one who had failed the most publicly needed to be personally reassured that he would see and be accepted by the risen Lord. There is no condemnation in Christ, and God wants all believers to live as if they know that.
