Justified
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Jun 22, 2023
- 2 min read
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Romans 8:33-34)
Even as Christians, we can sometimes struggle with feelings of guilt and condemnation, especially when we make mistakes and sin by missing God’s perfect will. Sometimes we can be quick to judge ourselves. We might also be concerned that others will come against us.
Considering that concept, Paul asked us the rhetorical question, “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?” Meaning, who is going to condemn you? The answer was straightforward: no one can accuse or condemn you because God is the one who justifies us. When you put your faith in Christ, God declared you righteous and forgave all your sins. He wiped your slate clean and sees you through the righteousness of His Son.
Paul emphasized Jesus is the One who died and rose again, and who now sits at the right hand of God making intercession for us. Jesus is not condemning us; He is praying for us and believing in us. He is standing between us and the accuser, interceding on our behalf and reminding us of God's grace and mercy.
Now, this does not mean we are free to sin without consequence. We have been set free from sin and are now slaves to righteousness. We are called to live holy lives, not because we are trying to earn God's favor but as a response to the favor He has already given to us through faith in Jesus.
If you are tempted to feel guilty or condemned, turn to God's Word and remind yourself of the truth. You can declare, "No one can accuse me because God has justified me. Jesus is interceding for me, not condemning me.”
Practical Application
If you feel condemned or feel unforgivable, remind yourself about what God’s Word already says about you. You have been justified by God and redeemed from condemnation through Christ's death and resurrection. Refuse to receive a condemnation mindset.
