After living a “decent” life my time on earth came to an end. The first
thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the “prosecutor,” he was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my lawyer, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed very familiar to me. The corner door flew open and there appeared the judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as he moved across the room. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him as he took his seat behind the bench and he said “Let us begin.” The prosecutor rose and said “My name is Satan, I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell.” He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t look at anyone, even my own lawyer, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my representative who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good things in my life. Couldn’t that at least equal out part of the harm I’ve done? Satan finished with a fury and said “This man belongs in hell. He is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.” When it was his turn, my lawyer first asked if he might approach the bench. The judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned him to come forward. As he got up and started walking I was able to see him now in his full splendor and majesty. Now I realized why he seemed so familiar, this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior. He stopped at the bench and softly said to the judge “Hi Dad” and then he turned to address the court. “Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won’t deny any of these allegations. And yes the wages of sins is death and this man deserves to be punished”. Jesus took a deep breath and turned to his Father with out-stretched arms and proclaimed “However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted me as his Savior, so he is mine.” “My Lord,” he continued “His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from me. Satan still does not understand yet, this man is not to be given justice but rather mercy.” As Jesus sat down, he quietly paused, looked at his Father and replied “There is nothing else that needs to be done, I’ve done it all”. The Judge lifted his mighty hand and slammed the gavel down and the following words bellowed from his lips- “This man is free-the penalty for him has already been paid in full, case dismissed.” As my Lord led me away I could hear Satan ranting and raving “I won’t give up, I’ll win the next one.” I asked Jesus as he gave me my instructions where to go next, “Have you ever lost a case?” Christ lovingly smiled and said “Everyone who has come to me and asked me to represent him has received the same verdict as you...Paid in Full.”
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Consider that Satan watches you and knows about your sins and will accuse you before God. But God already knows everything about you. He is aware of all your past sins as well as the future sins you have yet to commit. Satan hates you and desires to destroy you and bring God's wrath upon you for the sins you have committed. However, God loves you and wants you to stand before Him with the penalty for your sin already "paid in full" by His Son Jesus. That way, that you won't have to pay the penalty yourself.
The Holy Scripture joyfully proclaims, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
Isn't that great news! That's why they call it the "gospel" message because the word gospel means "good news". Have you understand that Jesus took your place? He died on the cross, taking the penalty for our sins upon Himself, so that we could receive forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus!
If you have understood that Jesus died in your place and have already received His gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, Praise the Lord!!
If not, why not receive Him right now? He will then become your personal Savior and Lord and will represent you before the Father as your advocate, redeemer! His shed blood will wash you clean from your sins and the Father will account the perfection of Jesus to you. He will forgive your sins and make you a child of God and you will live in His presence forever more. Isn't that wonderful news?
We encourage you to refer to the LIFEQUEST "Food for Thought" topics of Salvation and Gospel which will further explain what He has done for you, how much God loves you and show you how to receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
God bless you and have a great day!