In the eternal court in heaven, a trial was taking place. On trial, was the whole human race. The charges were sins committed against God's holy Law.
Standing for the prosecution, was the devil. Standing for the defense, was Jesus, the
Son of God. Each would speak against, and on behalf of the human race. Each
would have to make his case before the judge.
The devil stood up before the judge and accused the whole human race. "I accuse the
human race for sins committed against Your Law. You created them in Your own
image, but time and time again, they have sinned. They have done what they
pleased, and have strayed from You. They are gulity of sin, and deserve death."
Then Jesus stood up, and made His defense. "Please remember Your tender compassion
towards the human race. When they sinned, You corrected them and they repented.
Do not their sins separate them from You. Show them Your mercy and grant them
pardon."
When all of the arguments had been made, and all of the evidence presented, it was
time for the judgement. The judge spoke to the human race. "You have been found
guilty of sin. The sentence is death. For the wages of sin is death." Jesus stepped
forward to the bar. "I will take their sentence and their punishment upon myself.
I will die for their sins so that they will have pardon."
The judge called the human race to the bar, and rendered a judgement. "I will
accept the sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus will pay the price for your sins. Through His
death, divine justice will be served. A blessed exchange will take place; Jesus
will take your sin and punishment, and you will recieve His holiness and
righteousness. You have recieved grace. You have been justified. You are
free to go."
Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us. He offered Himself as the
one-time sacrifice for our sins. He took the pain; we have the peace. A blessed
exchange took place; Christ on our sin and punishment, and we recieve through
faith, His holiness and righteousness. God the Father looks at us through the
cross. Through faith in Christ, we have been justified, we have been set free.
