In The Courtroom

I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father.   1 John 2:1

Jesus Christ is ready to defend sinners like you and me before God the Father. Aren’t you glad that when we fail, we’re no longer faced with the daily question of what we have to do to get right with God?

Imagine yourself standing in the courtroom of heaven. Satan, your accuser, has a case to present against you. The courtroom is filled with angels who rise as God the Father takes his place as the judge. Then the diabolical prosecutor begins to stride around the courtroom as he presents his case against you. The gist of it is that you are guilty of sin and deserve to be condemned.

He states that you were born in sin; your nature is corrupt. Then he brings allegations about sins you committed when you were young. He follows your life story, identifying moments of weakness, cowardice, complacency, pride, pettiness, and greed. You cringe as you listen. Other things he may use in his case against you come to mind, and you’re afraid of what may happen if he brings them to light.

Finally, he clinches his argument by appealing to the weakness of your faith. He points out that even though you may have professed to be a believer in Christ, your faith was often weak and you had many doubts. His case is so compelling that you find yourself shaking and wondering how there could be any hope.

Jesus steps forward and begins to argue in your defense: “My client admits that every word spoken by the prosecution is true. We do not contest any of the charges, nor do we claim any mitigating circumstances. My client is guilty as charged.”

“But,” he continues, “I have here a full pardon, signed by God’s own hand and purchased by my blood.” Then, stripping off his robes, he shows his hands and side. The accuser has no answer. His whole case against you will be thrown out of court.

Our defense is not that we’re without sin, but that Christ died for our sins, and they were judged at the cross. They cannot be brought to court a second time.

For further reading, see Hebrews 10