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Who Will Bring A Charge?


What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (Romans 8:31-34)
 

         If you've watched court procedural shows or read the books, if you've watched Judge Judy or one of the civil court reality shows, you've seen it. The person making the charges often lists as many possible charges as possible, in hopes that if the plaintiff is not found guilty of the greater charge, the lesser charge will "stick." They hope that if the larger settlement is not granted, that a smaller one will be. They are shrewdly determined to get some satisfaction out of the proceedings.
       I used to think the answer to "who can be against us?" was "No one," but that's not the case. The name Satan means "Adversary." I believe he will act as the prosecuting attorney at the judgment seat, and he will throw every charge he can at every one who has ever broken even the "smallest" of God's laws. If any of them can be proven, then the greater crime of treason has also been proven. It may be a good thing God has eternity in which to do this.
        I don't think Satan will be alone. He will have witnesses. Jewish law requires at least 2 witnesses. Some will testify because it is their duty. Some will testify because they hate the defendant. Ultimately, Satan can call the Trinity as witnesses. After all the testimonies and been heard and the evidence reviewed, it may come down to this: each one of us will be found guilty and then for some of us, Christ will step forward and say that the punishment for this one has already been accomplished, the price has been paid and we will be freed.
       There are some people who believe that God will speed up this process. He might simply not allow us to be summoned to the judgment seat. Or He might look at Jesus when our name is called, and if Jesus nods His head, the Father could pound His heavenly gavel and say "not guilty by association." Both these are possibilities, but there's part of me that loves the drama. Imagine being in the courtroom and watching as in case after case, God's justice and character, His mercy and wisdom, His kindness, glory, and perfection are revealed. 
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On the Calendar: Snow Moon

Birthday of

Edna St. Vincent Millay
George Washington

 

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