May 27, 2019: SOAP #3462:  Proverbs 4-6; Romans 8

Scripture:  Romans (NIV) 8:33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Observation:   What a wonderful word “justify!” The simplest definition and the one that most quickly comes to my mind is “just as if I’d” never sinned. Since we cannot go back and rewrite history, we cannot but admit that we are guilty. Yet not “are” guilty, but “were” guilty. Jesus, in His miracle working death on the cross paid for my sin in such a thorough way that it is now as if I had not even committed it!

Satan may not think it is fair. He may not like it. But Satan cannot do anything about it. Justification is all God’s idea. God designed it. God developed it. And God declares it! I am justified!

The word of the one who justifies is stronger than the word of the one who condemns!  The one who justifies is stronger than death. It is not just His death that is testifying that I am justified. It is His LIFE that testifies!

Application:    I can walk through the cemeteries and point out the graves of those who have died for others. The tombstone gives witness that their lifeless bodies are below. But the One Who justified me is alive and present at the Throne room of heaven declaring my guiltlessness, justified by His sacrifice!

Prayer:  Jesus, you are a unique defense attorney.  You do not defend my guilt.  With your death on the cross You paid for it. Then with your life in me you give me a new life that is truly guiltless.  Your Holy Spirit   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!