Absolute Immunity – February 20, 2024

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
Romans 8:33

Absolute Immunity

Most people are blessed to have a high-functioning immune system. It keeps us from getting sick as often as we otherwise would. But no person has had absolute immunity from disease since the fall into sin. We are all susceptible in one way or another.

Within the American legal system, certain government officials are protected by what is called absolute immunity when they’re carrying out the duties of their office. Simply put, if they can demonstrate that their actions were a requirement of the job they were given to do, then those actions can never become the subject of criminal charges or a civil lawsuit. They are absolutely immune to legal action against them in an American courtroom.

But is there such a thing as absolute immunity in God’s courtroom? Indeed, there is. And even better, everyone who places their faith in Jesus has it! No, that doesn’t mean God has given Jesus’ disciples the green light to commit any sin they want to commit. But God’s promise to them is as clear as the words Jesus once spoke to a paralyzed man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2).

Those words are more than a pious wish or a nice thing to say to someone who has sinned against you. They are a powerful pronouncement of absolute immunity. They mean forgiven and forever forgotten. No prosecution. No judgment. No condemnation. You are free and clear! As far as God is concerned, through faith in Jesus, your sins no longer exist. You’re immune from all eternal punishment for them.

That’s what the apostle Paul was emphasizing when he asked, “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?” Answer: “It is God who justifies (i.e., declares us ‘not guilty’).” In other words, you have absolute immunity in God’s courtroom. Take heart; your sins are forgiven in Jesus and by Jesus. You’re free to go!

And how can we respond to such an amazing and absolute immunity to God’s eternal judgment? Answer: forgive others in the same way. Don’t hold grudges. Be like Jesus. Grant absolute immunity!

Prayer:
Jesus, lead me to rejoice in my immunity from the judgment of sin and help me forgive others in the same way. Amen.