What Would Be Justice?

This just came out in our local paper regarding our state governor.

"Federal authorities arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Tuesday on charges that he brazenly conspired to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder.

Blagojevich also was charged with illegally threatening to withhold state assistance to Tribune Co., the owner of the Chicago Tribune, in the sale of Wrigley Field, according to a federal criminal complaint. In return for state assistance, Blagojevich allegedly wanted members of the paper's editorial board who had been critical of him fired."

Question: If he is found guilty, would it do him any good to just say "Judge, you're a good judge...and I bet you love mercy...So, please forgive me, would you? I'm sorry! I've learned my lesson!"

I bet you're saying "No good judge would do that! It would be as criminal as what the Governor did!" And you know what? You'd be right! Justice must be served, or the law becomes a mockery!

Yet one day, you will stand before the Judge of Heaven and Earth. Think you'll do ok? On what basis? Think you're a good person? Let's see! 

Have you ever told a lie? Doesn't matter how small...or long ago. What would that make you? What would you call *me* if I told you a lie? A Liar, right? Ok, have you ever stolen anything...no matter how small. What would that make you? A thief! Ever hated someone? Jesus said that this is the same, before God, as murder! Ever looked with lust at another person? Jesus calls that adultery of the heart! Let your conscience speak to you! Wouldn't that make you a lying, thieving adulterous murderer at heart? And aren't we all? Yet, the "everyone is doing it" excuse is no more effective than the "just forgive me" ploy before a "good" judge!

So, do you think you'll go to heaven or hell? God says that no liars, thieves, adulterers or murderers shall enter Heaven (among others). That leaves only one option. Hell. 

What can you do? Well, while God is Just and must demand payment be made for sin, He also provided a substitute for your punishment; His Own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus came to Earth, God in human flesh, born of a virgin and lived the sinless life that you nor I can live. But then he suffered at the very hands of God the Father, willingly, so that those who repent (turn from their sin) and trust in what He did may be justified in God's sight. 

It has been rightly said that you are only guaranteed the breath you have in your lungs at this very moment. God does not owe you another. Turn from your sin and put your trust in the Savior!