For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:10, LSB
None of us is innocent, but in Christ and the sacrifice He made for us, all we are covered, and our penalty is paid. We are no longer found to be bound in sin, but we are free and forever joined in the unity of our Lord. We don’t have to walk in doubt or shame, but we have God’s righteous mantle placed upon us. The power of the forgiveness that we receive is all-encompassing and complete. Just as the words from the mouth of Jesus as He died on the cross stated, “It is finished!” This truth stands firm and stands fast for all who believe and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord, and it is our freedom. We all stand before the Father with the word “Guilty” written out for us, but with our Lord’s hands, the word “Redeemed” is written, and our guilt is taken away. This is the reality of the Christian; without Christ, no one is innocent, not even the youngest child. In Christ, redemption is made, and we are recreated in Christ and His innocence.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.