Yes, there is a need for condemnation!
We need to understand this ministry and receive its proper place in the sovereign work of God. Paul made it clear that what the Law could not do, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and concerning sin He CONDEMNED sin in the flesh. When God's purpose is to CONDEMN sin in the flesh - we should not find ourselves attempting to preserve or justify it. SIN IN THE FLESH - deserves to die - it is worthy of the CONDEMNATION of God.
The problem with the wicked is the self-deception that they are under. They think that attempting to do what is right in their own eyes is somehow commendable before God. They do not have the fear of God before their eyes and therefore flatter themselves too much to HATE or DETECT their sin. The sentence of death already hangs over their head because of their sins; they are simply unaware that God has already CONDEMNED the sin in their flesh. Without awareness of the CONDEMNATION of sin they are blind to their need of forgiveness and justification.
We are wrong to resist or resent this vital ministry of CONDEMNATION. The very purpose of the Law was to expose SIN in the flesh and condemn it. Without the Law sin is not imputed, but when the commandment came - sin sprang to life and we died. We would not have even known that there was another law at work in our members making us prisoners if it had not been for the ministry of the Law to expose and condemn sin. It takes the full awareness of the just condemnation of sin in the flesh to drive us to the realization that we are wretched men in need of deliverance from this body of death. This is the very needed ministry of CONDEMNING SIN in the FLESH.
If we believe that "there is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are IN CHRIST JESUS, then we should realize the converse is true as well. Everyone is CONDEMNED who is not in Christ Jesus. He who has the SON has life, whoever does not have the Son will NOT SEE LIFE, the WRATH of God ABIDES ON HIM PRESENTLY. Everyone living outside of JESUS CHRIST is under the sentence of CONDEMNATION whether they realize it or not.
We also need to understand the importance of "LIFE in the SPIRIT" and "DEATH in the FLESH." Paul made it clear - "for if you live according to the FLESH you are ABOUT TO DIE." Just because we have at one time come to live in Christ Jesus, does not mean we are automatically a permanent resident. We must continue to abide in Christ by a faith that evidences itself in the bearing of much fruit. Branches in Christ that do not bear fruit are taken away by the Father, thrown into the fire, and burned.
We have an obligation, but it is not to live according to the flesh. We must remember that "SIN in the FLESH has been CONDEMNED." If we live after the flesh we need to experience the CONDEMNATION of SIN in our flesh. This is the problem with those sinning without fear. They do not sense that their adultery, fornication, lasciviousness, debauchery, covetousness, anger, strife, evil speaking, and every other SIN IN THE FLESH has been and will always be CONDEMNED. Paul made it clear "I tell you beforehand, just as I told you in times past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
If we do not understand the need of CONDEMNING SIN in the FLESH - we might find ourselves strengthening the hands of evil doers so that they do not turn away from the CONDEMNATION that they are already under. Those who resists this vital ministry of CONDEMNING SIN in the FLESH, can end up acting as false prophets saying peace, peace when there is no peace. For there is no peace for the wicked, no justification or mercy for those who live according to the flesh. God is longsuffering, and therefore He is withholding His wrath just as in the days of Noah, but it is coming and no one living according to the flesh will survive it. The only thing waiting for those who live according to the flesh is the righteous judgment of God - the CONDEMNATION of sin in the flesh.
makrothumia
