Judge and Justifier
- Cathrine Schmelzer
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
“Our perfectly just God is our perfect justifier.”
“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins – and not only our sons but the sins of all the world.” 1st John 2:1-2 NLT
John opens this book by contrasting darkness and light, sin and righteousness. He states plainly that we cannot truthfully say we have fellowship with God while we live in darkness and disobedience. At the same time, he says that anyone who claims to be sinless is “calling God a liar and showing that His word has no place in [their] hearts”. (Verse 4) So how do we live in step with a God who can't tolerate sin?
Today's scripture clearly states the solution: Jesus. A commentary I read states, “Christ is our defense attorney, representing us before the Father in heaven”. Don't miss this: Jesus Himself is our defense. The God who is so just He can't tolerate sin is the same God who gave His Son as our atonement, as the means to having a relationship with Him.
Beloved momma, the enemy will try everything in his power to keep you stuck in guilt, in shame, in feeling like you're too far gone for forgiveness and God is tired of you messing up. But rest assured that for every accusation he hurls against us, Jesus is saying, “My sacrifice already took care of that. It's under My blood. She is forgiven.” Our perfectly just God is our perfect justifier.
Action step:
When you mess up, because as humans we will, admit it. 1st John 1:9 reminds us, “if we confess our sins to Him (God), He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Let this scripture be a weapon you wield against our accuser.
Prayer: Jesus, we do not deserve Your sacrifice, any more than You deserved the punishment for our sins. And what's so frustrating is that we still mess up every single day. I still mess up every single day and keep falling into the same sinful ruts. But You didn't bear the consequence of our shortcomings so we would continue to carry the guilt and shame of them. Will You help us to walk in the freedom and forgiveness You offer, and to fight back against the lies of the enemy? Your love speaks a better word, and I pray we all cling to that. Thank You for Your love and mercy. Amen.
Written by Alisen, mom of 1