Guilty but Free
READ: Romans 3:22-24
The solemn-faced jurors slowly file into the jury box. The judge enters the courtroom. All rise. “Men and Women of the jury, how do you find the defendant?
“We, the jury, find the defendant...partially guilty, but mostly innocent.”
Can you imagine such an end to a criminal trial? A verdict of “almost guilty” or “not quite innocent” is impossible in the world today. A person is either guilty or innocent. There is no in-between. In text from his letter to the Romans Paul says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But it also says that by faith we receive righteousness. Thus Paul explains that no one is more or less guilty before God. All are totally guilty, no more, no less. Paul, in fact, tells us that in Adam all sinned (Romans 5:12). In a similar way, God, who charges the guilt of Adam to all people, can fairly and justly credit the righteousness of Christ to all people. "...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." We can truly say all sins of every single human being have been completely and absolutely paid for by the life and death of Jesus Christ.
Only by believing the Gospel do we personally receive the eternal benefits Christ won for us all. Failure to repent and recognize the need for salvation and a Savior brings God’s condemnation and eternal death. The reality is we have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and declared innocent by God. Believe this wonderful verdict, and rejoice in your eternal salvation.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How are we declared “not guilty” in God’s eyes? What do we do to warrant this verdict? What do we receive because of it?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Thank Jesus for dying on the cross for us. Pray for guidance in receiving God’s Word. Ask for help to reach others for God.