You Are Free!

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, December 19, 2023
There is, therefore, now, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

The much-anticipated day has finally arrived. Justice is what the deceased’s family is expecting. The defendant is hoping for a reduced sentence. The judge declares, “Guilty!” as he wraps up reading the lengthy written ruling.

No Condemnation

There is an intense silence for a moment. The grieving family then starts singing and dancing. Finally, justice! They exclaim. The condemned guy is brought out of the courtroom around another corner. He is aware that his time is up. He will be hanged to death as retribution for his misdeeds.

Everybody has felt as though they are bearing a heavy burden of guilt. When a parent corrects their child for a transgression, the scared child will hide in a room or sit by themselves in a corner, feeling guilty for what they have done.

Not Guilty

But that all changes when the mother—fathers are not well-liked for this—reaches out to the child, gives them a warm hug, and tells the guilty party that all is forgiven. The child leaps away with delight as if he had done nothing wrong, and the smile reappears.

That is what happens when we surrender our lives to Jesus. Yes, we are guilty of the sins Satan accuses us of committing. We deserve punishment, including death. Jesus, however, takes our place and declares, “There is, therefore, now, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1).

You Are Free

The judge has pronounced that we are guilty. We are supposed to die, but Christ has taken our place. He pays the ultimate price on our behalf. God accepts us as His children. We are free from guilt and condemnation. Is that not enough reason to rejoice? That is what it means to accept Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. You don’t have to walk around with fear and guilt. You are free.

Prayer
Thank You, Jesus, because I am free courtesy of Your sacrificial death on the cross.