Monday, September 28, 2015
Romans 8:33-34a Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?
GOD'S COURTROOM
Ever been in a courtroom before? Ever think about what it would like to stand before God, the judge of all? Listen to what divine justice declares: "The imagination of a man's heart is only evil all of the time" (Genesis 6:5). "All have sinned!" (Romans 3:23).
It looks like an open and shut case. The law exposes the sin of our hearts and lives. But suddenly holy and perfect Jesus bursts into the courtroom. He steps before the Judge and says, "Give sinners the credit for my sinless life. Make my perfect record their perfect record so that they can be free of all shame and blame. In exchange give me their sins; hold me responsible for what they have done." So Jesus is charged with our crimes. He is made responsible for the whole damnable, stinking mess. God the Father laid on him the iniquity, the crookedness, the sin, of us all (Isaiah 53).
That's why Paul says: "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?" In God's courtroom it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. Satan isn't the judge over you. No human being is allowed to decide your case ... not even you. God alone decides. His decision? "NOT GUILTY!" On what basis? Because Jesus endured the sentence for the sin of us all. He was punished. God's trial is over and done! What's done is done! As Jesus Himself said, "IT IS FINISHED!"
And in God's courtroom there is no right of appeal. Don't say, "there was that one thing I did when I was young and ... what about what I said just this morning." "NO APPEALS! You're not guilty! Whatever particular sin you're thinking about, it has already been counted against Jesus!"
Yes, Christians most certainly confess their sins, but there are no appeals. Confess the sin, but accept the verdict!
Believe it! Trust it! Embrace it! Love it! Live by it!
