Court of Heaven Part 2

ANCHOR SCRIPTURE
Let us review the situation together. Present your case, and prove that you are right. (See Isaiah 43:26, NLT)

Introduction: Walking Into Court

Last time we saw that heaven is a court. Now we need to know how it works. Every court you have ever stood in has the same basics: a matter that is filed, a charge, an honest account of what happened, and a judge who can be trusted.

Heaven’s court has these too. Let us take them one at a time, with four questions:

1. What is a case, and who brings it?
2. What does the accuser stand on?
3. Why must there be confession?
4. Can I trust the Judge?

The Case: What Is Being Brought?

A case begins with a problem that needs settling, such as a debt, a piece of land, or an injustice. It goes before a judge, who listens to both sides and decides on the facts.

God invites us to bring our matters to Him. He even brings one of His own.

The LORD has a case against his people. He will bring charges against Israel. (See Micah 6:2, NLT)

So spiritual matters can be presented and answered in a legal way. Your problem is not too small to file, and it is not too tangled to be heard.

The Accuser: What Does He Stand On?

The accuser rarely invents a case from nothing. He often builds it on something true, and that is why his charges can sound so convincing. Scripture names three grounds he points to:

1. Sin separates. Our sins cut us off from God (See Isaiah 59:2, NLT).
2. Words count. Our words will either acquit us or condemn us (See Matthew 12:37, NLT).
3. Sin can travel. The effects of a parent’s sin can reach the children (See Exodus 20:5, NLT).

God does not ignore wrongdoing. When He shows mercy, He does not skip justice. He satisfies it in a righteous way. But the accuser’s list is not the last word. In Part 3 we will see who answers him.

Confession: Why Must I Be Honest?

In an earthly court, nobody can help a person who denies what is clearly wrong. A lawyer cannot defend a client who hides the truth from him. Heaven works the same way. You do not justify yourself. You come in truth.

If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (See 1 John 1:9, NLT)

Confession is not a performance. It is agreeing with God about what He already sees. Three steps keep it honest:

1. Name it. Say what you did, in plain words. David wrote, “I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night” (See Psalm 51:3, NLT).
2. Stop defending it. Excuses keep the file open.
3. Turn from it. Those who confess and turn from their sins will receive mercy (See Proverbs 28:13, NLT).

When guilt is admitted, the accuser loses his legal ground, and the door to mercy opens.

The Judge: Can I Trust Him?

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants. (See Psalm 89:14, NLT)

Abraham once stood before this Judge and asked a question that has comforted people ever since: “Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” (See Genesis 18:25, NLT). The answer is yes. He shows no favoritism, and He never acts unfairly.

Conclusion: Come in Truth

You can come before this court without fear because the Judge is fair. Honesty is where you start.

Is there something you have been covering, explaining away, or avoiding saying to God? Today is a good day to say it. In Part 3, we will meet the One who stands beside you.