Topical Encyclopedia In Christian theology, the concept of condemnation refers to the state of being judged and found guilty before God. This condition is particularly significant for unbelievers, who, according to Scripture, remain under condemnation due to their rejection of Jesus Christ and His redemptive work.Biblical Foundation The Bible clearly articulates the state of condemnation for those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus Himself states, "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son" (John 3:18). This passage underscores the belief that faith in Christ is the sole means of escaping condemnation. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his epistle to the Romans. He writes, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned" (Romans 5:12). This verse highlights the universal nature of sin and the resultant condemnation that affects all humanity apart from Christ. The Role of the Law The law, as given in the Old Testament, serves to reveal sin and the need for a Savior. Paul explains, "For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law" (Romans 2:12). The law, therefore, acts as a mirror, reflecting the sinful nature of humanity and the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human effort alone. The Remedy Through Christ While unbelievers remain under condemnation, the New Testament offers the remedy through Jesus Christ. Paul proclaims, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). This assurance is available to all who place their faith in Christ, signifying a transition from a state of condemnation to one of grace and forgiveness. Eternal Consequences The state of condemnation carries eternal consequences. In the book of Revelation, the final judgment is depicted, where those not found in the Book of Life face eternal separation from God: "And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15). This imagery serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate fate awaiting those who remain in unbelief. Call to Faith The message of the Gospel is a call to faith, urging individuals to move from condemnation to salvation. The Apostle Peter exhorts, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). This divine patience underscores God's desire for all to come to a saving knowledge of Christ, escaping the condemnation that naturally rests upon unbelievers. In summary, the biblical narrative presents a clear dichotomy between those who believe in Christ and those who do not. Unbelievers remain under condemnation due to their rejection of the Gospel, yet the invitation to receive grace and forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ remains open to all. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 3:18,36He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The North African Church under the Vandals. The Unbeliever's Unhappy Condition Eighth Sunday after Trinity Living in the Spirit as God's Children ... Allegation 4 "We Teach that the Greatest Part of the Human Race ... Infants are not Judged According to that which they are Foreknown ... The Gallican Confession. AD 1559. On Sin in Believers On the Words, and in one Holy Catholic Church, and in the ... 1 Cor. xiv. 20 While Still Very Young, He Taught Diligently the Word of Christ. Resources What does it mean that God is merciful? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of federal headship? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible teach mortal and venial sin? | GotQuestions.org Condemnation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Condemnation of the Wicked, an Example Condemnation: According to Men's Deserts Condemnation: Apostates Ordained To Condemnation: Chastisements are Designed to Rescue Us From Condemnation: Conscience Testifies to the Justice of Condemnation: Increased by Hypocrisy Condemnation: Increased by Impenitence Condemnation: Increased by Oppression Condemnation: Increased by Pride Condemnation: Increased by Unbelief Condemnation: Inseparable Consequence of Sin Condemnation: Saints are Delivered From, by Christ Condemnation: The Law is the Ministration of Condemnation: The Law Testifies to the Justice of Condemnation: The Sentence of God Against Sin Condemnation: Unbelievers Remain Under Condemnation: Universal, Caused by the Offense of Adam Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences) |
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