I Find the Defendant "Not Guilty"

I find the defendant, "not guilty"
By Innocent Mwangi Gathungu

Have you ever been to a court of law, either as a witness, as the accused, as the prosecutor, judge or the jury?

If not, perhaps you have attended court proceedings for one reason or the other. If you have, then you know that it does not matter how persuasive a lawyer or an advocate is if they don't have credible evidence to support their defence.

One may have a battery of advocates arguing his or her case, but what cuts the cheese is the evidence presented – and that's what persuades the jury to pass a "guilty" or "not guilty" verdict.

The best barristers know the importance of having evidence and witnesses to back up their submissions. No lawyer would dare enter a courtroom without having prepared him or herself, and, after considering the evidence to be in their favour, conclude that their chances of winning the case are reasonable.

Unlike earthly advocates, our saviour, Jesus Christ, does not present evidence of our sins to the jury. Having forgiven us our sins, He presents us to His Father as spotless, untainted, righteous people deserving to live with God forever.

When you dedicate your life to God and accept the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, your sins are purged and you become justified – just as though you never sinned.

When the accuser of the brethren, satan, comes up with a long list of sins you had supposedly committed, Jesus Christ rises up and produces a blank sheet – showing that all your sins were taken away. Of course satan does not give up easily; puzzled, he interjects and brandishes his list to the judge, asking for an explanation. The judge calmly looks him in the eye and says: "the blood, satan, the blood of my Son Jesus Christ has washed away the defendant's sins". Then God, the Judge, says: "I find the defendant not guilty! Case dismissed, next!"

When you have the supreme Judge presiding over your case; and His only begotten Son pleading your innocence, you not only expect a fair judgement, but an acquittal since He takes whatever His Son tells Him as the Gospel truth.

As you consider your relationship with God today, be encouraged that you have an advocate in Jesus Christ, and, if you have a personal relationship with Christ, a "not guilty" verdict has already been granted.

Instead of looking for the best solicitor or advocate to plead your case, look unto Jesus, the architect and perfector of your faith.