Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Paul the Apostle, in Romans 8:1-2

What do you suppose Paul meant by no condemnation? Do you think he meant a little condemnation? No, I think he meant NO condemnation!

Isn’t that great news? I think it is!

You could ask Mary Magdalene. Jesus had cast seven demons out of her previously (see Mark 16:9), so where she had felt nothing but condemnation until he had come along, from him she received grace. Forgiveness. Relief from her tormented life.

She was so thankful that she had been present at Jesus’s crucifixion. When most of the disciples had abandoned him in fear, she stayed with her Lord.

She was one of the first ones to arrive at the empty tomb on that first Easter Sunday. And also, according to the account in Mark 16:9, she was the first one Jesus appeared to after he had risen from the dead. Then she was the first one to report to the disciples that Jesus was no longer dead (see John 20:18). This means she was the original pastor, the first one to spread the Good News!

This was how she showed her gratitude to Jesus for freeing her from her condemnation.

How about you–how do you show Jesus how thankful you are for releasing you from your condemnation?