Not Guilty

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-4
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Not Guilty!
Earlier in his letter, St. Paul tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” None of us are guiltless.  God’s Law declares that all people are guilty of sin and deserve to die. But in these verses, Paul now gives us God’s verdict, “Not guilty!” But how can that be, for we are all surely guilty, and we know it. It is because God’s reverse declaration is for those in Christ. We had merited and deserved damnation. But God the Father sent His eternal Son, in His immeasurable goodness, and had compassion upon our misery and wretchedness. He came down from heaven to save us. Jesus Christ, Lord of life, righteousness, every blessing, and salvation, has delivered us poor, lost people from the devil’s grip, and has won us, and made us free. Through our Baptisms, we are united with Christ Jesus and His saving work. Those who believe and are baptized into Him are now and forever free from the Law’s cold verdict and terrifying sentence. Thanks be to God for such a merciful verdict.