I generally quickly skim and delete the many "forwards" from e-mail acquaintances. I find that much e-mail is rather mindless lists or silly observations. Recently, the following forward caught my eye and I read every word. The author was not identified. Give it a read.
Regards,
dave
After living a "decent" life, my time on earth came to an end.
The first thing I remember was sitting by the defense table in a courtroom. I noticed that the prosecutor was a villainous-looking guy who turned my way and snarled. My lawyer was a kind-looking gent who, for some reason, looked familiar.
We were all ordered to stand as in marched the judge, a man who wore flowing robes and had an awesome aura about him.” Let us begin," the judge ordered.
The prosecutor arose and declared, "My name is Satan, and I am here to show you why this man belongs in Hell."
He proceeded to tell of lies I told, about things I had stolen, details of me cheating. Satan spoke of other perversions that were once in my life.
The more he revealed, the further down in the chair I sank. I was so embarrassed I couldn't make eye contact with anyone. The Devil told of sins even I had forgotten about.
As upset as I was at Satan for airing all these things, I was equally upset at my representative who remained seated and silent and didn't challenge a thing.
I knew I was guilty of everything stated, but what about the good stuff I had done in my life. Didn't the good things kind of equal the wrongful stuff?
Satan finished in a flurry. "This man belongs in Hell! He is guilty of all that I have charged! There is not a person who can prove otherwise."
My lawyer eased to his feet and asked if he could approach the bench. Over loud objections of Satan, the judge motioned him forward.
For the first time 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 reached the bench and said softly to the judge, "Hi Dad." He then turned and spoke to the hushed courtroom.
"Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned. I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death. This man does deserve to be punished."
Jesus took a deep breath and turned to his Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed,
"I died for this man on the cross so that he might have eternal life.
"He called out to me for My salvation. His name is written in the book of Life, and no one can snatch him from me.
"Satan still doesn't understand that. This man is not to be given justice: He is to be given mercy. There is nothing required of this man. I completed his salvation.”
The judge lifted his mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. "This man," he proclaimed, "IS FREE. The penalty for him has been paid in FULL. Case dismissed!"
As my Lord escorted my from the courtroom, I could hear a furious Satan seething, "I won't give up, I'll win the next one."
I turned to my Savior, Lord and Lawyer, "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ replied with a loving smile, "Everyone that has come to me and asked me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, 'PAID IN FULL’."
