Grounded in the Faith | Message 5: Guilty Yet Innocent
There’s one thing every human being has in common—no matter our background, culture, or story: we all fall short.
In Romans 3, the Apostle Paul speaks with striking clarity: “There is no one righteous, not even one.” This isn’t meant to discourage us—it’s meant to reveal the truth we already know deep down. We say things we regret. We act in ways we wish we hadn’t. We drift off course.
Pastor Richard reminded us that this isn’t just about individual mistakes—it’s about a deeper reality. We all have a sin nature, a tendency to go our own way instead of God’s. Like a car that constantly pulls to one side, we need constant correction.
But the message doesn’t stop there.
From Guilty… to Justified
Right in the middle of this reality comes one of the most powerful shifts in Scripture:
“But now…”
Paul introduces the solution—not something we achieve, but something we receive. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are made right with God.
Yes, we are guilty.
But in Christ, we are also declared innocent.
Not because of what we’ve done—but because of what He has done.
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace…”
This is the heart of the gospel: grace.
It’s Not About “I”… It’s About “He”
One of the most powerful moments in the message was a simple but profound reminder:
If you were asked, “Why should you be let into heaven?”
and your answer starts with “I…”, you’re missing the point.
The answer begins with “He…”
He died for me.
He paid the price.
He made a way.
Our faith matters—but Jesus is the focus.
The Simplicity of the Gospel
Pastor Richard shared a vivid picture of the thief on the cross—a man who had no time for theology, no good works to offer, no religious track record.
And yet, he was welcomed into paradise.
Why?
Because “the man on the middle cross said I could come.”
Sometimes we complicate what God has made simple.
The truth is this:
We are sinners.
Jesus died for us.
He invites us into a relationship with Him.
An Invitation for You
This message isn’t just information—it’s an invitation.
Jesus is still calling.
Still offering grace.
Still making a way.
Don’t ignore it.
Whether it’s your first time hearing this, or a reminder you needed today—His grace is for you.
