Condemnation is a major theme throughout the Bible. God’s Word makes it clear that all people are under condemnation because of sin, but that those who put their faith in Christ are free from condemnation. Here are some key Bible verses about condemnation:
We Are All Under Condemnation Because of Sin
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” (Ephesians 2:1-3)
These verses make it clear that every human being is under condemnation because of sin. We have all sinned and face spiritual death as a consequence. Sin has corrupted human nature and made us deserving of God’s wrath.
Those in Christ Are Free from Condemnation
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
“For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:3-4)
“And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24)
While all people start off under condemnation, those who put their faith in Jesus are freed from condemnation. Christ came to fulfill the law’s requirements by dying for our sins. When we trust in Him, we are justified and no longer face condemnation.
We Should Not Pass Judgment or Condemn Other Believers
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2)
“Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4)
While God is the ultimate judge, we are called to show grace and refrain from condemning fellow believers over disputable matters. We all stand before God and it is He who will uphold the righteous.
Warning Against Self-Righteous Judgment
“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” (Romans 2:1)
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:3-5)
These verses warn against self-righteous judgment. We all struggle with sin, so we should be humble and examine our own hearts before condemning others.
Consequences of Condemnation
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” (John 3:17-19)
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” (John 7:24)
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27)
Those who reject Christ face eternal condemnation, while those who believe have passed from death into life. God’s final judgment will be based on righteousness and truth.
Examining Ourselves to Avoid Condemnation
“Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.” (1 Corinthians 11:28-30)
“Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God.” (1 John 3:4-10)
These passages encourage self-examination to avoid falling into sinful habits that can lead to judgment and condemnation. As believers, we have been freed from condemnation but still must walk in obedience and righteousness.
Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow
“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)
This verse contrasts worldly sorrow that leads to despair with godly sorrow that leads to repentance. Feeling conviction from the Holy Spirit should humble us and drive us to Christ, not to condemnation.
There is No Condemnation for Those in Christ
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” (Romans 8:31-35)
This powerful passage reminds us that nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ. He who paid our debt frees us from condemnation forever.
Key Points
- All people are under condemnation because of sin.
- Those who put their faith in Christ’s redemptive work are freed from condemnation.
- We should be careful not to judge fellow believers over disputable matters.
- Self-righteous judgment often stems from hypocrisy.
- Those who reject Christ remain under condemnation.
- Examining our own hearts helps avoid falling back into condemnation.
- Godly sorrow leads to repentance while worldly sorrow leads to despair.
- Nothing can separate true believers from the love of Christ – there is no condemnation for those in Him.
In summary, the Bible has much to say about condemnation. All people start off condemned due to sin. But Christ offers freedom from condemnation to all who trust in Him. As believers, we must walk in humility, avoid self-righteous judgment, and examine our own hearts. We can rest assured that for those of us united to Christ, there is no condemnation. His love frees us forever.