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 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, he said,
"Let us begin."
The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and 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 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 in his full splendor and majesty. 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 sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished."
Jesus took a deep breath and turned to his Father with outstretched 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 continued with, "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. 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 that has
come to me and asked me to represent them has received the same verdict
as you, Paid in Full."