- Mark 16:5-7 - And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
- Luke 22:61-62 - And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
- Luke 22:33 - And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
- Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
When God looks at those who believe in Him, He sees the righteousness of Christ.
Mark 16:5-7
As Jesus Christ had predicted, Peter was devastated when he realized he had denied Him (Luke 22:61-62). Yet, only a few hours earlier, he had declared himself ready to die for his Lord (Luke 22:33). He likely spent the following days crushed under a heavy burden of guilt.
Perhaps you too know how heavy the burden of sin can be. It is a weight a person carries everywhere and can drag their heart into despair. But for everyone who believes that Jesus' death paid the penalty for their sins, the feeling of condemnation is just a feeling.
The truth is that a believer is not condemned for their sin (Rom. 8:1) — no matter how grave or repetitive. Sometimes we harshly judge ourselves because our actions and motives fall short of a holy God's standard. But when God looks at a believer, He sees the righteousness of Christ. From the moment we believe in Him, we are covered with the righteousness of Christ.
No one can earn their salvation through good deeds. Only Jesus removes the believer's guilt for sin.
God knows the burden we carry in our hearts. That is why the angel at the empty tomb specifically mentioned Peter by name. The disciple who had most conspicuously failed was to be personally assured that he would see the risen Lord, and the Lord would receive him (Mark 16:6-7).
There is no condemnation in Christ. God wants all believers to live knowing and assured of this.
Reflection
How does remembering that you are covered by Christ's righteousness help you when you feel the burden of sin?
