"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 NRSV
In the 1981 comedy Stripes, the main character, John Winger (Bill Murray), is a cab driver in New York City who loses his job, apartment, car, and girlfriend in one day. Thirty years old and with few prospects, he persuades his best friend, Russell Ziskey (Harold Ramis), to enlist in the Army with him. Here is a snippet of the interview with the recruiter.
Recruiter: Have you ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor? That's robbery, rape, car theft, that sort of thing.
John Winger: Convicted? No.
Russell Ziskey: Never convicted.
That does not mean that they hadn't done things they should have been convicted of, simply that they were neither caught nor prosecuted and found guilty. Like Winger and Ziskey, we have committed transgressions but have not been condemned, thanks to God's grace. Jesus paid for the cost of our sins at the cross, and as a result of this incredible love, we are free of condemnation.
God, we thank you for fulfilling the law in your son Jesus Christ. We are grateful for his sacrifice for us and that we have no condemnation through him. Please help us as we seek to lead sinless lives worthy of that great price. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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