Innocency
Summary
Freedom from guilt or wrongdoing, claimed both before human courts and in appeals to God.
☩Claims of Innocence
Various biblical figures declared their innocence of specific charges. David claimed innocence regarding Saul, demonstrating it by sparing Saul's life repeatedly. Joseph's innocence of Potiphar's wife's accusations was eventually vindicated. Such claims were appeals to God as the ultimate Judge.
☩Not Absolute Sinlessness
Biblical claims to innocency typically refer to specific charges rather than absolute moral perfection. Job maintained his integrity against his friends' accusations but acknowledged he would not be justified before God on the basis of his own righteousness. 'If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.'
☩Christ's Innocence
Only Christ was truly and completely innocent. Pilate declared he found no fault in Him; the centurion confessed He was righteous; the thief on the cross acknowledged He had done nothing wrong. His perfect innocence qualified Him to bear the sins of others.