The greatest chapter of the Bible begins with perhaps the greatest promise of the Bible: there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Paul is using a legal term here and declaring that the punishment, condemnation, and judgment for our sin has been fully and finally taken away because of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.

I think of the courtroom shows I have watched, where the verdict comes in, and the defendant is declared, “Not guilty!” I realize that the relief and rejoicing I see dramatized in those shows are mine to experience. In the cosmic courtroom of God’s justice, I have been declared “Not guilty” of my sins! Hallelujah!

The point of this promise is for me to wake up every day certain of my standing before God. I do not have to worry that yesterday’s sins will break today’s fellowship with God. I do not have to worry that He will strike me down for my sin or cast me from His presence. I can come to Him in prayer and know that my relationship with Him is solid not because of my own good deeds, but because of the promise given to me in Romans 8. On my worst days and on my best days, I must remember the same thing: there is no condemnation for me because I am in Christ Jesus!

Final Thought: Thank God for the verdict of “not guilty” over your life!