“He doesn’t punish us for our sins as much as we should be punished. He doesn’t pay us back in keeping with the evil things we’ve done.” (Psa. 103:10)
Is Jesus really fair? In order to answer this question, we first need to understand the difference between punishment and discipline. For believers in Jesus, all our sin—past, present, and future—has already been punished on the cross. As Christians, we will never be punished for sin.
“There is therefore now no 1condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1) 1katakrima: punishment.
Paul goes on to say: “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh [without God] but in the Spirit, if in fact THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” (Rom. 8:8-9)
So, if we do not belong to Jesus, who do we belong to?
“If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. YOU ARE OF YOUR FATHER THE DEVIL, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth…” (John 8:42-44)
As we know it is not biologically possible to exist without a father! Repentance makes God our Father, WITH NO CONDEMNATION, rebellion makes the devil our father and we are UNDER CONDEMNATION!!! So, consider this very important fact: “…if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” (Rom. 8:11)
Now listen to this awesome truth:
“…the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that WE ARE GOD’S CHILDREN.
Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST…” (Rom. 8:15-17)
Join me, a 74-year-old and cry out “Abba [daddy] Father” …Bill Stockham