From Now On

Certain words in the Bible stand out like the proverbial sore thumb. They smack you in your spiritual face, shaking your soul, moving you mightily.

​“From now on” is one of those attention grabbing, jump all over you phrases.
SCENARIO. John 8:1-11. Before you read on, take your Bible. Review this passage. Read it as if you were there in real time observing what happened.
OBSERVATIONS

• Jesus is teaching in the Temple. The religious police (Scribes and Pharisees) cast an adulterous woman before Him. John 8:1-2
• Who caught the woman? How did they catch her? John 8:1-4
• Where was the male offender? It takes two to tango (commit adultery).
• Could it have been one of her accusers? Just asking?
• The accusers wanted her put to death according to the Law of Moses. John 8:5-6a
• The gathered crowd is watching intently, wondering what Jesus will do with the woman. John 8:2
• The accusers tested Jesus. What a dumb thing to do you religious hypocrites. The Son of God always passes the test! John 8:6-7.
• Jesus tested the accusers. He wrote on the ground twice. Probably about sin. Maybe He wrote down each accuser’s specific sins. Hey guys, if you are sinless, cast the first stone. John 8:7-8
• Confronted and convicted, the self-righteous accusers filed out, one by one, the eldest first. John 8:9
• The woman was left alone with Jesus. John 8:9

Personally, I get a kick out of how Jesus blew the religious hypocrites away. The Lord told the bigots to stick it and go away. Pardon my French!
Now. To the significance of this biblical story.
The gathered crowd watching from the gallery, the accused woman and Jesus were alone. (Verse 9). The publicly disgraced, embarrassed, humiliated woman is one-on-one with Jesus. What was she thinking? What is Jesus going to say to me? What will happen to me?
“And straightening up, Jesus said to her “Woman, where they? Did no one condemn you? And she said “No one Lord.” And Jesus said “Neither do I condemn you.” Go your way; from now on sin no more. “ John 11:10-11
Oh my! Takes my spiritual breath away every time I think about this scenario. Do we understand what just happened to this adulterous woman? She could have been stoned to death. Life over.
Enter Jesus. The Son of God, full of love and compassion, peered into her eyes and her heart.
Woman, where are those religious bigots, accusers who dragged you in here? “No one Lord” is here. This dear woman’s accusers could not in good conscience condemn her because they are sinners too! “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.
Jesus “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way; FROM NOW ON sin no more.”
What do you think that precious woman thought? What did the assembled audience think?
Probably most of them thought who is this guy? Who forgives sin. Who gives a sinner a second chance.
 What is this lady going to do?
Here are my observations.

• I think it was eerily quiet in the Temple. I believe you could hear a pin drop. What just happened? A miracle of grace? Who is this Jesus? What is this woman going to do about her life from now on?
• The woman was emotionally blown away by Jesus’ merciful words. No condemnation. Can it be I am not condemned? The Son of God said so. My sin is forgiven. I just received a new lease on life. A second chance.
• When this redeemed, restored lady exited the Temple, new lease on life in hand, she joyfully and thankfully danced in her heart (possibly in the streets!), singing and shouting the praises of God! I think I would have.
• Personally, though we do not have any more information about this woman, I believe she went out and lived a better life! How could she not? Down the road she would learn that this Jesus shed His blood on a Cross for her and all our sins.

My friend, what do you think about Jesus’ words “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way. FROM NOW ON sin no more.” The Lord’s words are for you and me.
I know what I think. Steve Roll has sinned in his life. More than once. Thankfully, I am a sinner saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). How? On October 6, 1972. I repented of my sins, asked Jesus to forgive me, received Him into my heart and chose from that day forward to trust Him, walking by faith, eternally grateful for a new life free from the condemnation of sin.

• My friend and fellow forgiven sinner, how are you and I going to live our lives from now on?

FROM NOW ON. Daily decisions. Choices. Behavior. Live life free from sin. Walk triumphantly and joyfully by faith in Jesus Christ.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. “ I John 1:9
A Word For Your Week:  From now on sin no more.