If Living Holy Was a Crime, Is There Enough Evidence to Convict You?

Cameron Norfleet
Nov 5, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Nov 9, 2025

Date: November 5, 2025

Messenger: Pastor Antonio Thompson

Message Title: If Living Holy Was a Crime, Is There Enough Evidence to Convict You?

Key Scriptures:

James 2:18
1 John 1:9
Romans 12:1
Matthew 5:16
James 1:22
Galatians 5:22–23

Message Overview

Pastor Antonio Thompson challenged believers to examine whether their lives show clear evidence of holiness. Using the imagery of a courtroom, he asked if there would be enough proof to convict us of living for Christ. True faith, he taught, is not only declared but demonstrated—through transformed hearts, righteous behavior, and consistent fruit of the Spirit. The message called for believers to live visibly holy lives in a compromising world, showing that faith without works is dead.

Key Points

Faith Must Have Evidence

Scripture: James 2:18

Faith is proven through action, not just words. Believers are called to display their faith through holy living that others can see.

Takeaway: Let your daily actions be visible proof of your faith in God.

Holiness Means Being Set Apart

Scripture: 1 John 1:9

Holiness is not perfection—it’s a lifestyle of repentance and separation from the world’s values. When we sin, we must be quick to repent and realign with God’s standard.

Takeaway: Repent quickly and live distinctly for Christ.

The Courtroom of Heaven

Illustration: “Heaven’s courtroom” imagery reminded us that God records every act of obedience, love, and faith. Faith leaves fingerprints—our attitude, speech, forgiveness, and consistency testify for or against us.

Takeaway: Your life is your testimony—live in a way that would convict you of holiness.

Inner Evidence – The Heart Must Change First

Scripture: Psalm 51:10True transformation begins in the heart before it appears in behavior. Inner evidence is purity, humility, and a genuine desire to please God.

Takeaway: Ask God to continually renew your heart so your actions reflect Him.

Outward Evidence – The Life That Follows

Scripture: Matthew 5:16

When the heart is changed, behavior follows. Living holy means treating people right, walking in honesty, and forgiving freely.

Takeaway: Let your light shine through conduct that glorifies God.

Lasting Evidence – Consistency Over Time

Scripture: John 15:2, Galatians 5:22–23

Spiritual fruit proves real faith—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Takeaway: Keep growing; faithfulness through testing produces lasting fruit.

The “Miranda Rights” of a Christian

Believers don’t have the right to remain silent. Everything we say or do points people toward or away from Christ. We have an Advocate—Jesus—and a Counselor—the Holy Spirit—who guide and defend us.

Takeaway: Use your words and witness boldly for Christ.

A Call to Examine and Repent

Scripture: Romans 12:1

We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices. Pastor Thompson urged everyone to self-examine: are we standing for holiness, even under pressure?

Takeaway: Choose righteousness daily and leave a godly legacy that proves your faith.

Scripture References

James 2:18 • 1 John 1:9 • Romans 12:1 • Matthew 5:16 • James 1:22 • Psalm 51:10 • John 15:2 • Galatians 5:22–23 • Luke 9:26 • James 3:9–10

Notable Quotes

“Faith must be seen and faith must be proven.”
“Faith leaves fingerprints on your character.”
“It’s not about how loud you shout; it’s about how clean you live.”
“Evidence isn’t perfection—it’s direction.”
“God is not impressed by our attendance if there’s no obedience.”
“When you stand before God, may the verdict be: ‘Case dismissed—they belong to Jesus.’”