NOT GUILTY
12th Apr 2017
A relative of ours was involved in a road accident in a foreign country. A man riding an overloaded bicycle had died, he was charged and a court case ensued. A guilty verdict would mean a prison sentence, and his lawyer declared that he must be prepared for the worse, especially as he was white, Christian, a foreigner, and all those factors could influence the court. He lived with this possibility of prison hanging over him and the consequences for his family, job, etc.
He was acquitted, declared not guilty and walked free. He described the relief, joy, tears, freedom, and said, “Unless you have experienced the weight of accusation, you cannot enter into the relief, joy and lightness of being exonerated.”
I have had the privilege of ministering to many guilt ridden people, weighed down with accusations and remorse. I remember being in a small meeting when a word of knowledge was given about an abortion, and how the guilt and shame would never go away. Surprisingly, a man responded and shared how years previously he had forced a former girlfriend to abort and had never been able to forgive himself or feel that God would forgive him. What a joy to share with him that the “accuser of the brethren” had been defeated on Calvary.
The price of our sin has been paid in full and God has accepted the life blood of Jesus as a once for all sacrifice for sin, and as a consequence, we are acquitted! Good news to all who carry guilt, shame and are constantly wracked with feeling of inadequacy and failure.
The accusations may have substance, but the heart of the Easter message and the victory of the Cross declares you “not guilty”. So rejoice and revel in your freedom with thanksgiving and another chance at life. Romans chapter 5 declares this exoneration.
John 8:36 says, “So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.”
by Joyce Sibthorpe
