We have heard the word acquittal used a lot lately. Acquittal as defined means: A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which the person has been charged. But what does acquittal mean to us as we walk in our faith?
Even as God’s most precious creation, charges have been brought against each and every one of us. We have been charged with crimes and misdemeanors against the Highest authority in Heaven and Earth. We have been found guilty of sin against God Almighty and the sentence has been commuted and the decree is final. There is no rebuttal, there is no factual evidence to prove innocence, there is not one legal leg to stand upon, you are guilty. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” All have sinned. All have fallen short. All have come under the judgment of sin against God’s commands and we stand convicted.
Well, that sure stinks! What chance do we have to put together an appeal? Is there any kind of community service or acts of contrition that we can do to get out of this mess we are in? We can try to defend ourselves and make a case that we are “not as bad as others”. But, judgment is final and there are no appeals. However, this is where our story ends and God’s redemptive story begins!
God’s criteria for living is one of perfect righteousness following His decree of perfect living through the Ten Commandments. Since we are born into sin, through Adam and Eve brought sin into the world, we are already in a hole we cannot climb out of. Thus, in His wonderful mercy, God had a plan from the moment Adam and Eve sinned to bring us all into His presence once again. The plan, sacrifice His one and only Son to take the punishment for our sins and then to declare us acquitted. Not guilty of the crime (sin) with which we have been charged. Through our faith in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, we are no longer guilty! “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1.
Did you hear this! NO CONDEMNATION! Acquittal It is a strong word with finality in its tone. Yet in the middle of the word is the final say about the issues brought against you, quit. So QUIT looking at your sin as a curse. It is no longer there to be held against you. QUIT, living in shame and disgrace. For your robes of sin and disgrace have been replaced with the Robe of Christ Righteousness. QUIT listening to the voice of Satan saying you’re beyond God’s redemption. For you are NOT GUILTY though Jesus Christ. Stand firm in God’s promise of forgiveness and redemption. The price of your sin, death, has been paid by Jesus and death no longer has a claim on you.
This week, I want you to quit the negative self-talk and listen to the words of your Heavenly Father tell you that you are His beloved child and the heir to His Kingdom. You are freed from the bondage of your sins and are acquitted of all charges!
In His Grace!
Pastor Doug