Choose Your Judgment

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."

Romans 8:1-2

There is safety in keeping the laws of the land, for such are protected as upright and responsible citizens.  The Bible says when born-again Christians confess their sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us all our sins (1 John 1:9).  It is on the basis of Christ satisfying the righteous requirements of the Law of Moses and His atoning sacrifice we are forgiven, receive a full pardon and are rendered righteous by faith in Jesus.  The law of the Spirit of life in Christ has freed us from the law of sin of death, and this is reason for rejoicing by living righteously.

Because of the Gospel freely offered to everyone, all people have the responsibility and opportunity to choose what side of God's judgment they will be on:  condemnation that leads to eternal death or pardon that leads to eternal life.  In a court of law the accuser and accused present their case before the judge.  As it stands all people are naturally guilty as sin before God and have no hope of exoneration.  Those who deny their guilt will be exposed as evildoers, and those who humble themselves with contrite hearts, admitting their wickedness and appealing to Jesus Christ the Saviour of the world, will be redeemed and saved.

I have observed a variety of reactions of people in relation to court judgments.  I have seen the prosecution celebrate the guilty verdict, and some who have been condemned have been incredulous and continued to assert their innocence and desire to appeal.  On the other hand, I have seen the decision of "Not Guilty" celebrated by the accused and their supporters, exonerated from all accusations.  In that situation the accused are the ones who feel the verdict was a miscarriage of justice and lament the court's decision.  What is amazing is God's judgment of believers is not that we are "Not Guilty" (because we are indeed guilty of all manner of sin) but righteous based upon the payment Jesus made for our sin with His own blood.

Having been made free from the condemnation of God's Law and sin's curse that brings death, we are spared the eternal judgment and wrath of God.  Instead we have the promise of the abundant life that now is found in Jesus and eternal life that is to come.  God has given everyone the choice of which side of God's justice we will experience:  His eternal pardon or condemnation.  There are no appeals possible for the one who dies in their sins.  The wise willingly humble themselves and say, "God be merciful to me, a sinner!"  The one who trusts in Christ who is righteousness for us is the one who will go home to heaven justified.