We have been declared innocent in the courtroom of heaven, and the Holy Spirit is here to remind us that we have been made righteous. However, this doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit isn’t there to help us when temptation comes. He loves us and wants to protect us and others from being hurt by our sinning. He will never condone sinning because He knows it is distracting and destructive for us. How could He just stand by and say nothing when temptations come? Our new nature in Christ does not want to sin, and the Holy Spirit witnesses to that fact. In order for us to sin, we would have to go against our new nature and suppress our true desire!
When we do sin, however, there is still no condemnation for those who are in Christ:
My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (1 John 2:1) 1
It seems that when we fall, God only wants us to see one thing: Jesus seated at the right hand of God! When we do that, we instantly feel loved, and we instantly get back in the flow of the Spirit!
Knowing we are righteous is the key to hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. His constant song is “I love you. You are My cherished child.” Never listen to a voice that brings condemnation, doubt, or fear. This is not the voice of the Holy Spirit! This is a good litmus test to use when thoughts come. Reject any thoughts that do not come with His peace. Even when the Lord corrects us, it is always with a sense of love and freedom, never with shame and guilt and fear.
We need to encourage others with the truth that we are still righteous when we fail. Think of it this way: what would the Holy Spirit say? We need to say those things to each other and lift each other up!!
(from pages 66-67 of Unveiling Jesus)
Want more from Tricia Gunn? Check out excerpts from the Unveiling Jesus 20-part series!
Unveiling Jesus, by Tricia Gunn, is a verse by verse study of the pure gospel of grace. It’s an amazing journey of love, identity, and freedom in Christ.
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1 Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
