Romans 4:5-7 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

It is God who justifies the ungodly(criminal), not your confessions or good deeds. You need to understand that Sin and Righteousness are purely legal things. When a man is charged in court for a crime, let’s say murder, he may cry and roll on the floor, but that does not exonerate him. Does it? He may confess his crimes with a bucket full of tears but that does not get him acquitted. He may cry and beg and say, “I am sorry I killed the lady, please forgive me!”, but the judge will not let him go free because of his confessions. He is guilty and will serve the sentence of his crime. Period.

Now assuming that this murderer has a twin brother who looks just like him. And before the cops came, he willingly offered to take his place in jail, and face the death penalty for him. He has become his brother’s sin substitute, his propitiation.

The sentence (wages) of sin is death. Legally, since we are guilty of sin, we must die. That’s why Jesus came – He took our place and died FOR us and WITH us. So that when you believe what He did for you, immediately you are exonerated from all your crimes. There’s no imputation of sin for the believer who is in Christ. Please understand that, God is not doing you a favor by forgiving you. JESUS TOOK OUR PLACE AND BECAME OUR SIN SUBSTITUTE. SO YOU ACTUALLY PAID FOR YOUR SINS IN CHRIST. Understandeth thou this?

Your crying and confession of sins is not what wipes away your sins. BELIEVING IN THE FINISHED WORK OF CHRIST IS WHAT SETS YOU FREE FOREVER. Praise God!

Welcome to February. It will bring you GOOD TIDINGS! Amen!

                  GRACEFUL MORNING