Christ is the city of refuge to every believer. "No power can take out of His hands the souls that go to Him for pardon" (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 516). By faith, Christ's righteousness is their righteousness. They are "in Christ." Therefore it is written, "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" (Rom. 8:34), that "we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" (Heb. 6:18).
The very righteousness of the law itself is fulfilled in them. Christ dwells in their hearts by faith, and they obey in Him.
Seeking righteousness through his own works, the Saxon monk, Martin Luther, deeply impressed with the mighty words of Holy Scripture, seemed to hear in his heart a voice of thunder crying, "The just shall live by faith." These words seemed to follow him everywhere. From Wittenberg to Bologna to Rome, the voice grew more insistent until at last he turned from superstition to the gospel. It was in these words God then said, "Let there be light: and there was light" (Gen. 1:3). This was the birth of the Reformation. May it never die in the world or in our hearts.
"There is...no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus," because He was condemned in their place. Blessed deliverance! Wondrous message! This is their confidence and assurance as they go forth walking the path of obedience and living the life of trust.
MEDITATION PRAYER: "Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress" (Ps. 71:3).