I was in court today, and boy it is amazing how unprepared most people are when they come to court. I think they think they will have an opportunity to discuss with the judge their case. I was in civil court so there were primarily monetary damages being sought or marital issues being resolved. On more than one occasion I heard the judge (who was very good) make the statement to the defendants "I am only here to judge the charge brought against you". Therefore their only comment could be 1. yes I owe the debt (or did the offense) or 2. no I don't. If they answered #1, then the plaintiff was awarded some type of relief, if the answer was #2, then a trial date was set with no further discussion. What is amazing about all this to me, and quite interesting was how little the defendants knew about how the system works, which is what brings me to the point of today's blog. Are we really ready for the final judgment? Do we realize that we will not have an opportunity to discuss our crimes with God? We are either in the book or not. Our debt has been paid or is hasn't. This is why I believe the words in the Lord's prayer are so appropriate when he says "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors". We have a debt. Just like those in court today. And most couldn't pay their debt, a few wanted to negotiate their debt, but all had to admit they had a debt. We have a debt too, we can't pay it either, so what will be do? Outside of Christ and His payment in full of our debt we have no hope. Let this sink in. I saw people in court this morning in pitiful shape, they looked horrible, they were on their last grasp of hope to have the debt they owed removed. When they went to speak they were told, "I am only here to judge the charges against you". They had to admit their guilt, there was no savior, no grace, no mercy, only judgment! It was a sad sight. BUT, they do have a chance on the final judgment, an advocate who doesn't lose, who has paid the debt and met the requirements of our penalty. As His child we are debt free, our name is in His book, we will be set free, at last free from all the pain and suffering and worry. No more bondage, just freedom. We will truly trade our soiled, filthy rags for brand new, pure garments for eternity. Are you ready for the final judgment?