For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin.

(Romans 3:9 NIV)

A local policeman came home one cold November evening and told his wife, “You won’t believe what happened tonight. In all my years on the force, I’ve never seen anything like it!”

“What happened?” she asked.

“I came across two guys down by the canal. One was drinking battery acid, and the other was eating fireworks.”

“Drinking battery acid and eating fireworks?!” she exclaimed. “What did you do with them?”

“I charged one and let the other off,” he replied.

It’s a funny story, but it points to a profound spiritual truth about the life of a Christian.  Spiritually speaking, each of us has been both “charged” and “let off.”

We are all charged with sin. Scripture makes it clear: “For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin.” (Romans 3:9 NIV).  Every one of us is guilty before God, and, left unaddressed, our sin leads to separation from God and eternal consequences.

But here’s the good news: those of us who have put our faith in Christ have also been “let off.” Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins on the cross. When we turn our lives over to him, we are justified, declared righteous, as if we had never sinned.  Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

The fact that we have both “charged” and “let off” reminds us of the incredible grace of God. We are fully accountable for our actions, yet fully forgiven when we turn to Christ.  It is a tension we live with as believers: knowing the seriousness of sin while resting in the certainty of God’s mercy.

So, remember this: the charge is real, but so is the pardon. God doesn’t overlook sin, but he does offer forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Let your gratitude shape the way you live, love, and serve others in the name of Christ.

Prayer: Father, we come before you humbled, knowing that we are guilty and charged with sin, yet deeply grateful that through Christ we have been set free.  Thank you for your gift of grace. Help us never to take this pardon lightly, but to live each day in gratitude, love, and obedience to you.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day