If Christ is Your Witness, You are Acquitted

If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?  The answer comes from the Coptic Christian martyrs who were killed recently by I.S. terrorists, many of them could be heard saying their last word, “Jesus.”  We need no evidence, and no other witnesses, only Christ Jesus. 

St. Paul reassures us of this in his letter to the Romans.  In Romans chapter 8 verse 31, St. Paul reminds us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  And also in verse 33, “Who will bring a charge against (us)? It is God who acquits us.”  Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ intercedes for us.  He pleads for us and requests pardon and mercy that is granted by the Father.  He has the right to do this because he has paid the penalty for our sins.  He died, and conquered death to acquit us at judgment. 

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, (Mark 9:2-10) we hear about the Transfiguration of Jesus.  God reveals to us a deep truth about Jesus.  He wears a dazzling white garment, which reveals his purity and glory.  He speaks with Moses and Elijah, revealing that he is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.  Peter wants to stay there, but Jesus presses on with the mission.  He pushes on to Calvary where he will fulfill the Law and the Prophets for all time. 

Someone may ask you, “If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” 

You could answer, “I would not need evidence, just one witness, Jesus!” (You may want to make sure that Jesus knows who you are; for that, check Matthew 25:31-46.  For more on Matthew 25:31-46, see my blog post “Judgment Day.

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