In the eternal court in heaven, a trial was taking place. On trial, was the entire human race. The charges were sins committed against God's holy Law.

For the prosecution was the devil. "Your Honor, I stand here and accuse the human race of sin. They have broken Your Law, and have not kept your commandments. They are not worthy of Your mercy. They do not deserve Your pardon. I ask that You sentence them to eternal death forever."

Jesus stood for the defense. "Your Honor, I speak on behalf of the human race. I plead that you show them Your grace for sins committed. I ask that Your remember Your loving kindness and Your faithfulness. I ask that You show mercy and pardon."

When the arguments had been made, and the evidence had been presented, it was time for the vedict. The judge rendered His decision. He then spoke to the human race. You have been found guilty of sin. The sentence is death. For the wages of sin is death." Jesus stepped up to the bar. "I will take their sentence and their punishment on myself. I will die for their sake,so that they will have pardon."

The judge called the human race to the bar. "I will accept the sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus will pay the price for your sins. Through His death, divine justice will be served. A blessed exchange will take place; Jesus will take your sins and punishment, and you will take His righteousness and holiness. You have received grace. You have been justified. You are free to go."

Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us. He offered Himself as the sacrifice for our sins. He took the punishment that we deserved. A blessed exchanged took place. Jesus took the punishment, and our sins, and we took His holiness, blessednes, and righteousness. God the Father looks at us through the cross for Christ's sake. Through faith in Christ, we have been justified, we have been set free.