No One Can Condemn

Paul stages a courtroom scene, then empties it of every accuser. Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? The implied answer is: no one can make it stick, "It is God who justifies." The highest Judge has already declared us righteous in Christ; what lesser voice can overturn His verdict? Who is he who condemns? Again, no one, "It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen," and who now intercedes for us at God's right hand. The very One with the right to condemn is the One who died to save us and now pleads our case.

This silences the voices that condemn us, including the loudest one, our own. Many believers live under a steady inner accusation, a nagging sense of being not quite acceptable, replaying their failures before an imagined tribunal. But the courtroom of heaven has rendered its verdict, and it is justified. The accuser may still whisper, our own hearts may still condemn, but God is greater than our hearts. No charge against you in Christ can stand, because the Judge has acquitted you and the Saviour defends you.

When the accusing voice rises today, answer it with the verdict of heaven: there is no one left who can condemn.