Prisons are full of men claiming their innocence. Though some have been mistakenly pronounced guilty, the majority deserve to be there because someone needs to pay the penalty for the offense.
There is a dreadful day coming when all will face the judge of the universe, God. Our sins are well known to him and we can’t escape his justice. But there is good news.
God says if we acknowledge His son, we will no longer fear punishment but will have confidence on the day of judgement. How can this be?
When Jesus suffered and died on the cross Matthew 27, he paid the penalty for the sins that had, and will be, committed. As Christians, we know that God’s Spirit lives in us now because Christ has purified us by his sacrificial death and resurrection. We know and rely on the righteous love he has for us when we confess our sins (1 John 4:15-19).
When God separates the sheep from the goats on judgement day (Matthew 25:32) we will be found in him...through faith (Philippians 3:9). Our confidence is in God’s promise — he will keep us firm to the end so that we will be blameless on that day (1 Corinthians 1:8-9).
Father I know that I deserve your judgment for the many sins I have committed against you. Thank you for dying in my place so that I could be fully forgiven and purified by grace, and by your death be made alive in the Spirit. Amen.
Go Deeper — Read the passage from Matthew 27 referenced above. Really ponder what Jesus did for you. Does it make you feel more confident about facing God's judgment? Why or why not?
Read Further — Read this if you are unsure about your relationship with Jesus or don't feel confident that the Judge will declare you innocent on judgment day. If you have questions, consider contacting one of our free, confidential mentors.
Photo Credit: Magnezis