Understanding our plight

 

 I asked myself a Question…

I asked myself this question: “How can I get people to see through the world’s lies and recognise their need for Christ, when so many are comfortably deceived into thinking they don’t need Him?”

The world has been hooked with false assurances: that morality, self-improvement, religion, or good works can make life right. People are lulled into a comfort that blinds them to the reality that only Christ can cover their sins and stand in their place.

Scripture paints a stark picture: humanity stands guilty, yet Christ stepped into the courtroom — fully human, yet sinless — as the only one qualified to stand in our place, pay our debt, and provide a way to escape judgment.

This post will walk through this courtroom step by step and show why even a repentant sinner must be covered by Christ to stand safely before Him.

Our Flesh: Guilty by Birth Under Adam

The Bible never treats mankind as morally neutral.

“Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men.”
— Romans 5:12

We are not sinners merely because we sin — we sin because we are born under Adam’s headship.

“By one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners.”
— Romans 5:19

This inherited condition is called the flesh.

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh.”
— John 3:6

Therefore, Scripture concludes:

“None is righteous, no, not one.”
— Romans 3:10

Every person enters God’s court already condemned, not awaiting trial, but awaiting sentence.

Our Sin Exposed: Solomon’s Warning in Ecclesiastes

Solomon, the wisest of men, observed that human effort and self-justification cannot hide sin from God.

“For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
— Ecclesiastes 12:14

No one can conceal guilt. Our sins are laid bare before the Judge, no matter how carefully we cover them with excuses, works, or remorse.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
— Ecclesiastes 9:10

Solomon reminds us that time does not erase sin, and our own efforts cannot justify us. Only a righteous Substitute — Christ — can cover our exposed guilt.

Why Christ Had to Be Conceived by the Holy Spirit

The virgin conception is not decorative theology — it is judicial necessity.

Sin enters humanity through one man, Adam.

“Through one man sin entered the world.”
— Romans 5:12

If Christ were conceived by ordinary human generation, He would stand under Adam and inherit Adam’s guilt.

Instead, Scripture records:

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you… therefore the child to be born will be called holy.”
— Luke 1:35

Christ is holy from conception, not made holy by obedience later.

“God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law.”
— Galatians 4:4

Born of woman — truly human.
Conceived by the Spirit — free from Adamic corruption.

Thus, He stands as the last Adam, a new representative head.

“The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving Spirit.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:45

A new humanity requires a new beginning.

Jesus’ Flesh: Fully Human, Entirely Sinless

Scripture leaves no ambiguity.

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
— John 1:14

“Since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things.”
— Hebrews 2:14

Yet His flesh was not corrupted.

“He committed no sin.”
— 1 Peter 2:22

“In Him there is no sin.”
— 1 John 3:5

Jesus entered the court as a man, but not as a criminal.

God’s Court: Justice Cannot Be Suspended

God is not a negotiator. He is Judge.

“The LORD has established His throne for justice.”
— Psalm 9:7

“The soul who sins shall die.”
— Ezekiel 18:4

“He will by no means clear the guilty.”
— Exodus 34:7

The law demands satisfaction, not apology.

The Courtroom Explained: Humanity, Law, and the Substitute

Scripture frames salvation as a legal transaction:

1.   The Charge: Every human stands guilty.

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

2.  The Problem: Justice cannot ignore guilt.

“He will by no means clear the guilty.”
— Exodus 34:7

3.  The Rule of Substitution: Only an innocent, human, willing substitute can satisfy the law.

“No man can ransom another.” — Psalm 49:7
“By a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.” — 1 Corinthians 15:21
“I lay down My life of My own accord.” — John 10:18

4.  The Exchange: Guilt is counted to Christ; righteousness is credited to the sinner.

“The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” — Isaiah 53:6
“For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21

5.  The Verdict: The Judge remains and declares the sinner acquitted.

“So that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” — Romans 3:26

Why Only a Sinless Man Could Stand for Sinners

A guilty man cannot pay another’s debt.

“No man can ransom another.” — Psalm 49:7
“We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” — 1 John 2:1
“Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous.” — 1 Peter 3:18

The sentence fell on Him. The court is satisfied.

The Resurrection: Heaven’s Legal Confirmation

If Christ remained in the grave, payment would be unverified.

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” — 1 Corinthians 15:17
“He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” — Romans 4:25

The empty tomb announces: Paid in full. Case closed.

Repentance: Turning Toward the Only Covering

Repentance is commanded.

“Repent therefore, and turn back.” — Acts 3:19

But repentance does not erase guilt — it abandons self-defence and turns the sinner toward the only one who can cover their sin.

“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” — Hebrews 9:22

Even sincere remorse cannot satisfy the law; Christ must bear the penalty.

Covered in Christ: Union, Not Improvement

Salvation is not moral improvement but union with Christ.

“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” — Galatians 3:27
“He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.” — Isaiah 61:10
“Not having a righteousness of my own.” — Philippians 3:9

Outside Christ — condemnation remains.
Inside Christ — judgment is finished.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1

Romans 10: Receiving the Verdict

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9

Repentance turns from self. Faith places the sinner in Christ.
The Advocate lives.

“Christ Jesus… was raised—who indeed is interceding for us.” — Romans 8:34

The Final Word

We were born guilty before the court.
Christ entered the court holy.
The sentence fell on Him.
The verdict rose with Him.
Repentance brings us under His covering.
Faith keeps us there.

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” — Psalm 32:1
“They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” — Revelation 7:14

Justice is satisfied.
The Judge is pleased.
The Saviour lives.

Signing off,

Tyrone