For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.

Hebrews 8:12 (NKJV)

 

When a court rules "not guilty," it does not necessarily imply that the defendant is not guilty of the crime. Rather, the case of guilt was not established beyond a reasonable doubt. However, in our case before God's court of law, we were found "guilty" as well as "not guilty." "Guilty" because everyone has sinned against God and cannot be reconciled to Him on their own. "Not guilty" because we have received eternal forgiveness through Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection.

In our human court, the guilty must repay their debt to society, and even if they do, many continue to bear the shame and stigma of their past crimes. If they are unable to shake or forget their past, they bear a heavy burden of rejection and self-loathing. In God's court of law, He declared us righteous so that He could legitimately promise not to record or even remember our sins, and thus we are free from all fear of condemnation. As a result, any believer who is not completely convinced of the truth of the good news will be unable to walk in freedom and victory.

We can overcome sin and live a righteous life because the Holy Spirit lives within us to empower us in our fight against sinful habits. If we sin, the Holy Spirit does not abandon us; rather, He helps us repent (John 16:8) and reminds us of our identity as God's beloved children.

When you stand confident in God's love, there is no fear of being judged by God and no desire to sin against Him. Learn to live the gospel as boldly and authentically as possible, and trust God to guide you.