On June 12, we as a nation would commemorate Independence Day—12 June 1898, in Cavite el Viejo, the Philippine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed.1 On 12 June 1962, Pres. Macapagal officially moved the anniversary of our independence to said date, and announced to the world that it asserts its natural right to liberty and is ready to defend it with blood, life and honor. Freedom is the inherent right of every nation.2
Technical jargon provides for precise meaning. Last week, we viewed the significance of Christ’s death from the temple setting. This time, let us examine it from the Court of Law. There is a trial to take place and by works of the law no human being will be justified in [God’s] sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.3 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.4 The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant.5 For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.6 God’s righteous Law judges all men guilty and we are bound to be convicted and to serve the penalty of eternal death. Our problem is God’s unyielding law. And only his holiness can satisfy the righteous requirement of the law that we may be justified. The technical term is justification, meaning the act of God whereby humankind is made or accounted just, or free from guilt or penalty of sin.7.
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.8 Good news! Jesus Christ paid the price in our behalf. Legally, Christ’s blood satisfies the conditions of God’s court to all who trust in him. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.9
Notes:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(Philippines)
2. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1962/06/12/address-of-president-macapagal-on-independence-day/
3. Romans 3:20
4. Psalm 51:5
5. Isaiah 24:5
6. Romans 3:22b-23
7. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/justification
8. Hebrews 9:22
9. Romans 8:1-4
