Have you ever been called for jury duty? It is a responsibility and privilege to participate in the quest for justice. Just observing the search for truth is an eye opening experience. The main purpose of the justice system is to define and authorize punishment for guilty persons. It is amazing to witness how thorough and ruthless the process is once it begins. The prosecutors are more than ready to find laws and regulations that have been broken. The laws are exact and precise in every detail. Even laws against minor offenses can allow the authorities to apprehend someone suspected of a serious offense.

    Immediately after the crime is discovered or reported, a detailed and documented investigation begins. It is incredible how many facts about the crime are exposed. In addition, facts about other offenses are often brought to light. A major offense that is usually uncovered is tampering with and destruction of evidence. Sometimes, other people uninvolved in the original crime participate in a cover up because of their dependence on the accused or shame of discovery. In some minor offense, destruction of the evidence calls for a greater charge under the law, since it can hinder the investigation or halt the prosecution.

    Often, the accused holds to the notion that they are innocent of an offense, although the law was clearly broken. Though a certain offense may be small, logical thinking concludes that small offenses promote and support even greater law breaking. Many times, it is plain that the accused has a record of offenses, often of the same type, which then calls for a severer charge. Sometimes these repeated violations include the same victim. It is tragic to see how much power the lawbreakers exercised over these innocent victims. But at times, the victims are not always as innocent as they present themselves. Through some careless or foolish act, the victim makes the crime possible. However, that does not excuse the offender. That person would very probably seek out another opportunity to commit a crime.

    A criminal can sometimes get away with a crime for a long time because it was not witnessed or reported, so justice cannot proceed. But, it is not uncommon for an extremely old offense to be uncovered and prosecution finally to begin.

    Sometimes the most serious possible charge is not made since an airtight case would not be certain. Lesser charges are made that will result in a secure conviction. In other cases, even when the most serious charge is made, a lesser backup charge is made to assure that a guilty verdict will be rendered. Many charges presented can have mandatory sentences that prevent the court from being over lenient.

    When sufficient evidence is gathered, and the prosecutor is certain that the law will be defended; the case is presented before the Grand Jury or directly to the court. There are also laws that protect the law enforcement, judges, and jury personnel from threats and contempt. As the evidence is admitted and witnesses testify, every word is recorded by a stenographer. After examination, conflicting and false testimony can be used as additional evidence in the case. Sometimes, if it is beneficial to the prosecution and justice system, and when a conviction is certain, the accused can make a plea bargain for a lesser punishment. This is at the discretion of the court.

    It is possible to appeal a conviction or acquittal to a higher court until all appeals are exhausted. However, justice under the law is finally executed, with appropriate punishment administered to the guilty party or freedom granted to the innocent. This is the ideal process, but due to human failing, destruction and loss of evidence, or confusion of facts, sometimes the guilty person is released. In order to insure that true convictions are beyond doubt, it is better that a few criminals are freed rather than prosecution of innocent persons. Because of the inherent weakness of the imperfect human justice system, criminals sometimes do get off without conviction and punishment. These cases can be very damaging to the system of law and justice. However, the watchful eye of the law will continue to seek justice at some future date.

    Our important system of law and justice restrains evil and allows society to function. Without law, chaos would rule and eventually destroy civilization. It is easy to claim that humans have a basic goodness, but that discounts the fact that the threat of punishment is what actually restrains most people from doing harm to others. Many attitudes that are forerunners of crime reside in the human heart. Most of these attitudes are prevented from being acted out due to the desire for self-preservation. Yet, if all laws and punishment were abolished, it is not too hard to predict that nearly every person would cause harm to others or seek revenge for such harm. But thankfully, the overwhelming majority of countries have common laws. Sometimes there are small variations in the laws of individual countries, but persons must obey the laws of the land.

    It is unfortunate when serious crimes go unpunished. This brings up the question of a higher law and justice system than mere human justice. Most cultures of the world acknowledge that a Higher Power exists to administer some form of justice. A Supreme Being, usually known as God, not only is the Author of the universal laws, but also has the power and authority to uphold those laws. As usual with human law, honor for the Lawgiver is included as part of the divine law.

    The Bible's Ten Commandments are often taken as a basis for human laws (Exodus 20:1–17). Since God knows everything, even the smallest infraction of the law is recorded for prosecution. The God of the Bible upholds goodness with great honor, and has promised to harshly judge evil and lawbreakers. It is easy to claim that we are not lawbreakers, but an honest person should examine to see exactly what the law requires. Perhaps we have not actually murdered anyone, committed adultery, stolen anything or been a liar. Jesus explained that God's laws went beyond actions, but actually identified evil thoughts and intents of the heart as breaking the law (Matthew 5:21–48). Jesus said that the law also condemns hate, lust, coveting, and unkind thoughts. These transgressions of God’s laws are called sin. God knows what resides in the human heart, so these spiritual offenses are just as serious as outward actions in His eyes. The purpose of the law is to define the perfection required to live in heaven with God. (You certainly wouldn't want to live eternally with habitual murders, rapists, thieves and perjurers, would you?)

    Heaven is a place worth attaining. But, just as there is a place of incarceration and punishment on earth for those failing to keep the laws of the land, so also, there is a place away from the presence of God, reserved for all those choosing not to obey the laws of heaven. Jesus said that these two opposite and eternal places are separated by a great gulf that is impossible to cross (Luke 16:26). Heaven can simply be described as a place of joy and comfort, whereas, the other, hell, is a place of regret and torment.

    This is the question we must answer: Are we perfect like God? Certainly, sane people would agree that they are not perfect. But, many people will not recognize Gods laws or His authority, going so far as to concede that they have contempt for such thoughts. However, the Bible confidently declares that we all fail to keep God's holy law perfectly in our hearts, and most really don't want to obey God (Romans 3:10–18). The Bible also declares that God has appointed a day when everyone will come before heaven's court to be judged (Acts 17:31). That day is the day of our death (Hebrews 9:27). There will be no problem with witnesses and evidence, since everything will be made known (Mark 4:22). Every sin that a person committed on earth will be revealed on that coming judgment day (I Timothy 5:24–25). Without a doubt everyone standing before the court of heaven, will be found guilty and remain speechless in their defense (Romans 3:19).

    But, there is hope for us. The same Holy God that made the law is also perfect in love and mercy. He has provided a pardon for everyone that will accept it. Even in human courts, if there is a monetary fine judgment, it is possible for anyone to pay the fine, even the judge himself. In many countries, the lawmakers have given the head of state the right to pardon a person judged to be guilty, even if the sentence is execution. So also, the righteous God reserved the right to pay the fine and pardon the guilty (Romans 5:8; I Corinthians 15:3–4). This gift of mercy from God is sufficient to qualify us for eternal life in heaven (Romans 6:23). But like any gift, it must be received willingly (John 1:12), with reverent thankfulness (Hebrews 12:28), and without seeking to repay or work for it; otherwise, it would not be a gift (Ephesians 2:8).

    Yes, God is a just and merciful Judge. God willingly encourages us to make a plea bargain with Him. The only stipulation is that we must acknowledge our guilt and ask for mercy (Luke 18:13–14). Jesus told a story of the necessity of settling our case out of court. Otherwise, the time of mercy will be passed, with no option but certain judgment (Luke 12:58–59). God allows us to agree with His verdict while we are alive. He calls this time of mercy the accepted time (II Corinthians 6:2). Rejecting God's offer or delay in accepting it betrays an attitude of contempt for God's authority and mercy.

    Although God is a just Judge, He has purchased the right to grant mercy to even the guiltiest sinner. The greatest punishment for any crime is death. In the person of His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, God took the just punishment of death for our sins (John 3:16). Jesus proved the truth and sufficiency of His substitutionary death by rising from the dead (Acts 2:24). God's gift of forgiveness and eternal life is obtained by faith in His word. "I declare unto you the gospel… by which also you are saved… how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (I Corinthians 15:1–4). Why don't you believe in Him and confess Him today (Romans 10:9–10)!

Excerpt from the “HANDYWORK” by Roy Crase

Use the browser “Back” button to return to my website.