Search Warrants for the Heart

One of the functions of a JP is to sign search and entry warrants. These are documents allowing forced entry into someone’s home. The former is sought by the police who suspect some nefarious activity is taking place behind closed doors, and they seek the evidence to confirm their suspicions and begin prosecution. Having quizzed the applicant about the quality of his information, time and date of execution, and the address’ other occupants, the warrant is typically signed.

Similarly, agents of utility companies require a magistrate’s approval before they can enter a domestic property to fit a pre-payment meter or switch off the supply altogether if the premises are commercial. The JP checks that the addressee has received several notices of this intended action and has been informed of the right to appeal. Those who attend, offering objections, will be carefully heard. Otherwise, 300-400 warrants are usually signed, granting their bearers right of entry. Tedious though signing such documents is, it is something of a reassurance that the State is not able to enter private homes at will. Powerful corporations, even ones whose bills we are disinclined to pay, cannot simply barge their way in and reclaim monies owed.

Of course, the police may search an address and find no evidence. There’s evil enough in the occupant’s heart, but he may have been too smart to leave the evidence laying about. Likewise, some utility companies will simply write-off some debts as the firm is wasting too much time chasing a sum that is unlikely to ever be paid. 

What if there is a law-enforcement which has every entitlement to search even the recesses of my heart? One which has full access even to those memories I have mislaid and forgotten? What if I have a creditor who literally requires the entirety of an unending eternity to pay the huge debts I owe? Thank God for the gospel! God signed Christ’s death warrant that the damning evidence of my sinful heart need not be brought to trial. Christ cleared my debts in full when He offered payment to the Father upon the cross.

In wonder lost, with trembling joy

we take the pardon of our God;

pardon for crimes of deepest dye,

a pardon bought with Jesus' blood.

Who is a pard'ning God like thee?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Samuel Davies

Image by b0red from Pixabay