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Does God promise to forgive and not condemn?

God sent His Son to earth to pay for your wrongs. "If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won't be punished" (Romans 8:1, CEV). This is good news! There is no condemnation, just forgiveness for those who stand with Jesus. When God looks at you, He does not see your wrongdoing. He just sees Jesus' goodness instead of your past. Your wrongs are wiped away, and your life is cleared of all those times you displeased God by breaking His laws. You can begin again. God's forgiveness is a gift of grace -- something you cannot earn. It is not a result of anything you do.

When God forgives, the Bible says that "he has removed our sins so far from us as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12, NLT). If you try to bring up a past mistake, God does not know what you are talking about. If God says you're okay, then forgive yourself. His love is powerful. Leave your past mistakes with Him. Do not keep dragging around your regrets.

God may point out that you need to change in some area of your life, but He will do it in an encouraging way, guiding your heart and mind by His Spirit. Satan, the evil one will nag at you with doubts and use accusations to make you feel unworthy. As long as you feel like pond scum, you will not be able to tell others about God.

*The First four books of the New Testament -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John -- are called Gospels. Gospel means "good news." These books are filled with the promises of good news: Jesus took your punishment and freed you from your failures.

*God does not keep reminding you of past mistakes. He promises to forgive and forget. God tells you how to follow His laws and live a better life.

Accepting God's forgiveness and putting your past behind you is saying yes to His gift of grace and showing that you believe He really did die in your place.

"It's urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father (God), who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider." Jesus on John 5:24, The Message

Excerpts from:100 answers to 100 questions about God's PROMISES for you - Lila Empson/Janet Teitsort