Condemnation to peace is through Christ.
Yes, condemnation to peace is only through Christ. The Scriptures emphasize this truth repeatedly:
1. Freedom from Condemnation
- Scripture:
- "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1-2).
- "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him" (John 3:17).
Through Christ, the guilt and punishment of sin are removed. He bore our condemnation on the cross so we could experience peace with God.
2. Peace Comes Through Reconciliation
- Scripture:
- "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
- "For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross" (Colossians 1:19-20).
Christ’s atoning work on the cross restores our relationship with God. Through reconciliation, peace replaces the condemnation we deserve.
3. Peace in Our Hearts and Lives
- Scripture:
- "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
- "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).
The peace Christ gives isn’t based on circumstances but on His presence within us. It guards our hearts and minds, even amid challenges.
4. Transformation from Condemnation to Peace
- Scripture:
- "He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" (Ephesians 2:14).
- "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
Christ not only grants us peace with God but also peace within ourselves and with others. The burdens of condemnation, guilt, and hostility are lifted in Him.
5. Christ is the Only Way to Peace
- Scripture:
- "Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’" (John 14:6).
- "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).
There is no other way to escape condemnation and find lasting peace except through faith in Jesus Christ. He is the exclusive mediator between God and humanity.
Summary
Through Christ, we are transformed from condemnation to peace. He bore our punishment so we could be reconciled to God, justified by faith, and filled with His peace. This peace surpasses all understanding and gives us the assurance of eternal life with Him. It is a gift freely given to all who believe.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).