January 7 1999. It was not an ordinary day in Washington. The image broadcasted from the Senate Chamber was unforgettable. The usually vociferous group of politicians was suddenly silenced. A solemnity fell over the House that has sometimes been called "The Cave of Winds" because it is the home of those who are fond of hearing their own voices in rowdy debate. Two student pages opened the French doors at the rear of the Chamber and the Chief Justice appeared in a black gown with gold stripes on each arm.

This was a moment that none thought would come. The 'furnace of impeachment', as it was referred to 131 years ago, was about to be lit and senators sworn in as witnesses in the trial of the U.S. President. There was an awkwardness about the moment. Never before had the senators been in this position. "What do we do? Do we stand or sit?" As one senator leaned forward, it was taken as a cue for all to rise to their feet.

The Chief Justice, William Rehnquist, took an oath, placing his right hand on the Bible. The ceremony reflected the feeling that this was not just the trial of the President, but the trial of the Senate, and somehow the trial of us all.

The picture brings to mind the fact that one day we will all have to appear before a higher court.

When Daniel Webster was Secretary of State under President Millard Fillmore, he dined with 12 gentlemen at the Astor House in NY. In the course of conversation they asked him, "What is the most important thought that ever crossed your mind?" After a brief pause, he replied, "The most important thought that ever crossed my mind is that of my individual responsibility before Almighty God."

Webster then talked for 20 minutes on the subject of judgment and then retired for the evening.

The Bible reveals that God's character is one of holy love and justice. His office is described as that of Shepherd, King and Savior. But throughout the Bible, and in the Book of Revelation, in particular, He is revealed as the "Judge of All" (Hebrews 12:23). "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books." (Revelation 20:12 NIV).

In every trial there are three basic elements: The charges, the evidence and the verdict. The charges brought against us are that we have broken God's law. In fact, if we have offended the law in one point, we are guilty of all (James 2:10).

As a minister of the gospel, I have spoken with 'lifers' in prison. Some of them are serving a life sentence because they were convicted of just one crime. How many murders does it take for a person to be a murderer? How many robberies does it take to be a thief? How many lies does it take to be a liar? How many 'affairs' does it take to be an adulterer? How many sins does it take to be a sinner?

Like sheep, we have gone astray (Isaiah 53:6). The evidence against us is documented by God's omniscience. The verdict is that we are without excuse (Romans 1:20). The soul that sins shall die (Ezekiel 18:4). The just compensation for sin is death (Romans 6:23). We need to be legally declared right with God if we are to be spared eternal punishment.

Justice Gray of the Supreme Court once said to a man who had appeared before him in a lower court and had escaped conviction through some technicality: "I know you are guilty and you know it. And I wish you to remember that one day you will stand before a better and wiser judge than I and there you will be dealt with according to justice and not according to law."

What will you do when the Chief Justice appears? How will you plead as the evidence is stacked against you? You need not be concerned that you will get an unfair trial or that you will escape God's judgment through some good intentions or deeds. We are without excuse.

The prophets cry out: "Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon." (Isaiah 55:7).

Throw yourself upon the mercy of the court and trust the saving work of Christ. Turn from your sins to the Lord who abundantly pardons and trust the merits of His death payment on your behalf. Let Him cleanse you and fill you with His Holy Spirit. Those who believe on him, He will pronounce righteous, entering our names into the book of life and fully pardon. The law of God has been fully compensated on our behalf, when Jesus took the capital punishment our sins deserved. He offers the gift of a full pardon and cleansing to those who call out to Him and trust Him to be the forgiver of their sins and the Leader of their life. (Read Paul's letter to the Romans 3:20-26)

Restored to life,