Reigning in Life Through God's Complete Forgiveness
Have you ever felt like you possess something wonderful but don't feel worthy enough to enjoy it? Many Christians today live exactly like a man who was given a brand new luxury car with the title in his name and keys in his pocket, yet walked to work every day because he didn't feel worthy to drive it. They possess everything Christ has given them, but guilt and condemnation keep them from enjoying their inheritance.
What Does It Mean to Reign in Life?
The key to living victoriously as a Christian is understanding that we are called to reign in this life, not merely survive it. This reigning comes through receiving God's abundance of grace and complete forgiveness.
The Foundation of Our Authority
Romans 5:17 reveals this powerful truth: "For if by one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." - Romans 5:17 New Living Translation (NLT)
To reign in life, we must receive the abundance of grace. This isn't just getting by or surviving - it's living as the kings and priests God has called us to be.
Why Do We Struggle with Guilt and Condemnation?
The story of the paralyzed man in Luke 5 provides insight into how unresolved guilt can keep us bound. When Jesus saw this man, He didn't immediately address the paralysis. Instead, He said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."
Addressing the Root Issue
Sometimes before we can see breakthrough in our external circumstances, something must be settled internally. The burden of sin, guilt, and condemnation can keep us spiritually paralyzed, preventing us from receiving what God has already provided.
When we don't fully understand and receive forgiveness, the guilt and shame from our wrongdoing remains unresolved within us. But when we finally get settled in our hearts that we are clean, righteous, and good with God, life begins to flow again.
How Does the Law Relate to Grace?
The law was given to expose what was wrong, but it doesn't tell us how to fix it. Scripture calls the law "the ministry of death" - not because it's evil, but because it reveals what's wrong without providing a solution.
The Pattern of Fear and Shame
From the very beginning with Adam and Eve, we see the pattern: sin leads to shame, shame produces fear, and fear causes us to hide from God. But this is not what God wanted for humanity.
The gospel, however, declares that payment for all our sins has been made. It announces that it's finished - payment made in full.
What Happens When We Truly Receive Forgiveness?
Consider the woman in Luke 7:47 who came to Jesus weeping. While others criticized her, Jesus explained her actions: "Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." - Luke 7:47 New Living Translation (NLT)
Two Different Responses
Adam hid because he felt condemned. This woman drew near because she knew she was forgiven. When we mess up, we should run up to God, not away from Him.
Sometimes we're quick to judge others because we've forgotten how much we've been forgiven. When we remember the magnitude of our own forgiveness, it produces great love and gratitude.
How Can We Live Free from Condemnation?
Romans 5:20 tells us: "Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more." - Romans 5:20 New Living Translation (NLT)
Complete and Settled Forgiveness
When God's abundance of grace, including forgiveness, is received as complete and settled, our hearts are transformed. Guilt no longer plagues our conscience, and fear no longer sets the tone of our relationship with God.
We cannot harbor even a little piece of unresolved guilt. We must release it all - not just part of it, but all of it.
What Does This Look Like Practically?
When the devil brings up your past failures, remember that you have a lawyer - and He's the Judge's Son. Jesus steps up and says, "He's innocent. I've already taken care of all of it." The Judge declares: "Innocent, forgiven, no condemnation, clean."
Angels Respond to God's Word
As heirs of salvation, we have ministering spirits (angels) sent to serve us. When we speak God's word in faith - declaring our healing, provision, and righteousness - angels go forth to minister according to that word.
This means we can live declaring: "I am healed by God and blessed by Him" even when we don't feel our best. "I am prosperous and blessed; every need I have is met" even when finances are tight. We're calling on heaven to manifest what God has promised in His word.
Life Application
This week, make a conscious decision to stop harboring guilt and condemnation over past mistakes. When condemning thoughts arise, immediately remind yourself that you are completely forgiven - not just of some sins, but all sins, past, present, and future.
Practice reigning in life by speaking God's word over your circumstances rather than agreeing with negative situations. Remember that you are a king and priest, called to reign in this life through Christ Jesus.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Am I living like someone who truly believes they are completely forgiven?
- What areas of guilt or condemnation am I still holding onto that need to be released?
- How can I better receive and walk in the abundance of grace God has provided?
- Am I reigning in life, or am I just surviving day to day?
Your life may have gotten broken at times, but your relationship with God isn't broken. The table is set, and you're invited to come and dine. In the very presence of your enemies - sickness, financial lack, condemnation, and guilt - God has prepared a feast for you. All you have to do is come and partake of what's already yours.
