not guilty anymore

i think one of the most powerful moments at catalyst came during our time of corporate worship. a worship leader named aaron keyes wrote a song called "not guilty anymore." i suppose on some intellectual level i know that my sins have been forgiven. i believe the scriptures teach grace and i have devoted my life to making that message known to the culture in which i have been placed.

during a talk by francis chan he made the following comment: "even pastors need to be pastored." he was referring to a time when he was encouraged and pastored by louie giglio. basically louie had reminded him that grace wasn't just something we are to proclaim to others....but receive it ourselves. what a reminder!! the same mercy and grace i tell others about is there for me as well. i don't have to hide behind the shadow of my failures anymore. i am free to step into the light of His forgiveness and rejoice.

i hope this serves as an encouragement to you today. why? because we have forgiveness....and because we have forgiveness....we're not guilty anymore.

when you see your failures, inadequacies, tendencies and sin i hope you will also be able to see the cross of Christ and in that place find grace.

(lyrics to "not guilty anymore")

it doesn't matter what you've done
it doesn't matter where you're coming from
it doesn't matter where you've been
hear me tell you I forgive

you're not guilty anymore
you're not filthy anymore
I love you mercy is yours
you're not broken anymore
you're not captive anymore
I love you mercy is yours

can you believe that this is true
grace abundant I am giving you
cleansing deeper than you know
all was paid for long ago

there is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Jesus

you are spotless
you are holy
you are faultless
you are whole
you are righteous
you are blameless
you are pardoned
you are mine