...perfect judge and as the perfect Judge, God is absolutely just, righteous and holy. The Bible says of God, "Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; You cannot tolerate wrong" (Habakkuk 1:13).

Herein lies the dilemma. On the one hand, we see that God is the perfect Father, He loves us and wants to have a personal relationship with us. On the other hand, we see that He is the perfect Judge whose very nature is too pure to tolerate our sin.

This dilemma is brought about into clearer focus by a story about a young man caught "driving under the influence" after committing several crimes. He was brought before a judge nicknamed the "Hanging Judge" because, although his integrity was beyond question, he always handed out the stiffest penalty allowable by law. The judge turned out to be the young man's father. Everyone in the courtroom waited to see how the judge would treat his only son.

As the spellbound courtroom looked on, the judge issued the maximum penalty but then without hesitation he walked over to where his only son stood and paid the penalty his son could not pay. And in that one act, he satisfied the justice of the law and yet demonstrated extraordinary love.

And that is but a glimpse of what God the Father did for us through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was God Himself who came to earth to be...