Picture someone standing at the defense table in court when his/her verdict is about to be read. How do they look? Nervous, scared, anxious? From time to time you’ll hear of some cold hearted murderer standing emotionless and un-remorseful.

But in the end, no one is going to stand calm, cool, collected and un-remorseful before God. Why? Because God’s just judgment against sin is an eternity, read that again, eternity of suffering in hell where, as Isaiah puts it, “Their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched.” That’s what you and I and all deserve!

But that’s not what we get! In incredible love God sent His Son Jesus to live that righteous life we were supposed to live and to suffer and die the eternity of hell that we deserved on the cross! Why? So that God could declare everyone in the world innocent of sins. That’s what “justification” means, it’s a verdict of acquittal. God has acquitted you from the punishment of your sins because Jesus took that punishment for you!

Yes, unbelief rejects it. Yes, those who don’t believe will miss out on the blessings of it. Yes, those who don’t believe will go to hell. But it won’t be God’s fault, for He’s forgiven the sins of all – even those who don’t believe it.

And that’s where true peace and relief come. Even if God had written in the Bible, “God has justified Aaron.” That wouldn’t be nearly as comforting, how do I know that Aaron is me? But to read, “Justification and life for all people.” I know without a doubt that’s me! I might be the worst sinner, but God says He’s forgiven… ME!

Live with that peace and that relief! In God’s courtroom, He has declared you innocent, you’re forgiven, acquitted, justified!

Thankful to be justified by God, just like you,

pastor