Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
As presented on *The Lutheran Hour® by Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, March 28, 1965.
Suicides occur in the United States at the rate of about 60 a day (in 1965), and one can only guess what the worldwide figures must be. These are people who openly and avowedly took their own lives; the figure does not include what authorities call “hidden suicides,” which have been estimated by reputable authorities to be five times as numerous as the official figures.
Without knowing exactly what is wrong, people all over the world know that something is wrong with themselves. Self-condemnation leads to self-distrust, which turns into self-despair, and finally to self-loathing. This is the hell in which millions of people are living today. Abject loneliness is the result, but not the problem. The problem is [often] guilt, made worse when it is not recognized for what it is and what it does.
The cross of Christ is the only real solution to guilt. Saint Paul expressed it in words that have come with healing power in moments of great desperation: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” No condemnation. This is the Good News. It is meant for all, for you.
It is there to give life with new surging power that comes from faith in Christ to fill the emptiness of the old house haunted with guilt.
No man is too desperate to be saved by the power of Christ. No life is too empty to be revived by the power of the living Christ.
Lord God, give us hope—something to live for. Forgive our sins and remove whatever guilt weighs heavy upon us. Help us to live with confidence in Your mercy. Amen.
Taken from A Message of Hope: Proclaiming the Cross (selections from messages broadcast on *The Lutheran Hour, celebrating 75 years of proclaiming the promise).
Copyright © 2006 by Lutheran Hour Ministries
*The Lutheran Hour is the longest-running Christian radio broadcast in the world. It is a production of Lutheran Hour Ministries. For more information, visit www.lutheranhour.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 1-2 Luke 2:1-24
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