Believers in Christ are made right with God immediately. Faith brings this righteousness now, not at some future time. The moment we accept Christ as our all, we're justified. Just as those who stand before God in heaven are justified now, so are we, just as purely and clearly justified as they are.

The thief on the cross was justified the moment he looked to Jesus in faith. And after all his years of service, Paul wasn't more justified than that thief with no service at all. Today, we're accepted in Christ, absolved from sin, acquitted at God's bar.

What an uplifting thought! Some blessings await us in heaven, but this gift is available right now. It's not like the promised land's corn we can't eat until we cross the Jordan. It's heavenly manna, part of our daily spiritual food during our journey.

Right now, we're forgiven; our sins are removed. In God's sight, we're as if we were never guilty. "There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus." There's nothing against us in God's Word. Who can accuse us? No stain remains on any believer in terms of being right with God. Let this incredible privilege inspire us to fulfill our duty, living and serving our Lord Jesus while life lasts.