A Stacked Court

If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?  It is God who justifies.  Who is he who condemns?  It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. – Romans 8:31b-34

Imagine you are in a courtroom and there is a judge, an accuser, and your defense attorney.  Your fate rest in the hands of how well your defense attorney represents you and then the judge’s ruling.  Here in America, I have seen many times that the quality of that defense attorney means a lot regarding your probability of getting a fair judgment.

Now, imagine that the judge and your defense attorney … is the same person.  The accuser makes his claims against you, but your defense attorney is the judge!  What do you think your chances are of getting a fair judgment?  Very good I would say!  This is a stacked court in your favor.  In fact, I would say the case is closed and there is no argument.  There is no trial.  It was over before it began.

This last scenario is what Paul is describing.  Who can be against us?  Who can bring a charge against us?  God has justified us, so who can condemn us?  Our judge is our defense attorney.  There is no trial and no accusations, no condemnation.  The guilt is over; the judgment is gone.  It is forever settled!

Christian, have you sincerely repented of your sins today?  If not, would you drop your pride over some item that you believe God should allow you to do in your life and turn back to His Word? 

Dear Christian, are you carrying a heavy load of guilt today?  Perhaps you’ve repented, but you just can’t overcome the stain on your conscious.  Will you drop that load and step into your freedom from condemnation offered by your Judge and Defense Attorney, Jesus our Savior?

Of all peoples, Christians should be the most joyous and peaceful, resting well upon their knowledge of the truth, that their God neither holds their sins against them or is willing that they should perish in bondage.  Your sins are forgiven.  Through Jesus your charges are dropped.  You are free.