If you are preparing to stand before a judge, you may want to review this list:
“Ten things to do when appearing before a judge.”
1. Shower and shave beforehand
2. Dress appropriately
3. Obtain good counsel and arrive together
4. Follow the advice of counsel
5. Be early; but definitely not late
6. Be honest, truthful
7. Humble yourself before the judge
8. Agree with the judge
9. Embrace the court’s recommendations
10. Be thankful whether the court grants leniency or not.
Maybe you’ve never had to appear in court. But all of us will, eventually, stand before the Judge of our souls. So we might as well know how to prepare ourselves.
You may have the idea that Heaven’s Courtroom is something akin to Judge Judy’s hangout. No. Not at all.
Heaven’s Courtroom is the highest court in the entire universe! The Judge is always faithful and just in his assessment and verdict. He never passes sentence without understanding the complete situation.
He is able to look deep into your soul, with eyes of fire and a heart of love.
He can’t be bribed or coerced. However, with the proper Counsellor, you and I can experience a brand new lease on life after appearing before the Judge.
Prepare to meet the Judge.
Prepare by retaining Jesus, the Advocate, as your counsel.
Prepare by acknowledging your sin and wrongdoing; confessing your need for mercy and forgiveness BEFORE your time comes.
Appearing before the Judge of all of Heaven and Earth is not like appearing in traffic court. It’s a matter of life and death.
So make sure you’re prepared.
“…prepare to meet your God…!” (Amos 4:12 ESV)
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV)
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27 ESV)
“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15 ESV)
Jesus is all the preparation you need.
Jan Grace 