The Law, the Verdict, and the Gift of God

What Is a Law—and Why Does It Matter?

We live surrounded by laws. Some are written on city signs; others are etched deep into our conscience. Laws define what’s right and wrong, and they come from authority. In Canada, our government makes and enforces them. There’s a system, a structure—and a consequence when we break those laws.

Sin works the same way. There’s a divine law set by God Himself—a moral standard written on every heart.

God’s Law and Our Guilt

Long before city bylaws and red-light cameras, God gave His law in Exodus 20—the Ten Commandments. They set the moral foundation for all humanity:

• You shall have no other gods before Me.

• You shall not steal.

• You shall not murder.

• You shall not commit adultery.

• You shall not bear false witness.

These aren’t mere suggestions; they’re divine decrees. And if we’re honest, we’ve all broken them.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23

The law exposes what’s in our hearts. It shows us that sin isn’t just what we do—it’s what we are apart from God.

The Trial of the Guilty — and the Mercy of Jesus

In John chapter 8, we find a woman caught in adultery—caught in the very act. She’s dragged before Jesus by religious leaders eager to see what He’ll do.

The charge? Adultery.

The expected punishment? Death by stoning.

But Jesus does something utterly unexpected. He kneels and writes in the dust. Then He says,

“He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”

Silence. Stones drop. One by one, they leave—convicted by their own guilt.

And when the crowd is gone, Jesus looks at her and says,

“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.”

That moment captures the heart of the gospel: the sinless One who had every right to condemn instead offers mercy.

Our Own Courtroom Moment

This story isn’t just about her—it’s about us.

Romans 3:10 says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.”

Romans 6:23 adds, “The wages of sin is death.”

We stand guilty under God’s perfect law. But then comes the unexpected verdict—one that defies all logic:

Because Jesus bore our punishment on the cross, the verdict has been overturned for all who trust in Him.

“He who believes in Him is not condemned.” — John 3:18

No Condemnation — Only Life

Romans 8:1 proclaims one of the most freeing truths in all of Scripture:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”

No more guilt. No more debt. The sinless One—the only One who could have cast the first stone—chose instead to bear the punishment our sins deserve upon Himself.

Through His death and resurrection, we’re offered new life, new identity, and a place in God’s family.

The Inconceivable Result

Forgiveness is only the beginning. Those who trust in Christ are brought into God’s family—sons and daughters, filled with His Spirit, given a living hope that reaches beyond death.

This is more than avoiding judgment; it’s gaining life eternal.

But the question remains: What will your verdict be?