Copyright by Freedom in Christ, used with permission.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
When you became a Christian, God declared a verdict on your standing before Him – you are “justified”, which can be said to mean “just as if I’d” never sinned. You may have heard people try to describe this using an analogy of a criminal in court. There is clear evidence that they have committed a crime and they have been found guilty. But the judge brings in his own son and says he is going to pay the penalty. He sends his son to prison and lets the criminal go.
But this analogy doesn’t go far enough. The criminal may have been forgiven or let off the hook, but he still has a criminal record. God doesn’t look upon us in the courtroom of heaven and say, “You’re guilty but I forgive you.” He says, “Because of Jesus, you are completely innocent. There is no criminal record.”
There is no more guilt, no more shame, no more condemnation for those who are in Christ. This is staggering!
If God has declared us not guilty, who can condemn us? What court could they charge us in? There is no higher court of appeal than God! It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or how dirty and defiled your life has been – when you come to Jesus, He takes it all and washes you clean. We are completely accepted and unconditionally loved by God, just as we are.
It can take a while for our feelings to catch up. If you struggle with feelings of guilt and shame, make sure you keep reading the “Who I Am In Christ” list, focusing particularly on the truths under “I am accepted”.
