A Story of pardon
The judge sat momentarily considering the weight of evidence against the defendant. There was no doubt that he had committed a horrific crime. Speaking in his own defense, the accused had gone to great lengths to demonstrate that he wasn’t that bad.
“Your Honor, I beg the court to understand that until this recent lapse, I have been a model citizen.” He then recounted his good deeds and closed his statement with a plea for leniency.
The judge noted that the seriousness of his crime didn’t allow for leniency. He must be punished to the full extent of the law. The guilty man collapsed into his chair in numb disbelief.
At that moment a voice called out from the back of the room. “Your Honor,” the man boldly stated, “While I must agree that this man’s crime deserves severe punishment, I wish to offer myself, with the court’s permission, to take his punishment for him.”
Several minutes passed in complete silence as the judge considered this unexpected proposal. The accused shifted nervously in his seat. Finally, the judge agreed to accept the offer.
“However,” the judge explained, “The defendant must also be willing to acknowledge his guilt and to accept this most gracious gift.” Turning to the guilty man, he stated plainly, “If you refuse this offer, you must bear your own punishment."
Overwhelmed by this turn of events, he confessed his crime and exclaimed, “Oh yes, I accept it! I accept this wonderful gift!”
The gavel pounded the judicial bench, and the judge declared, “The court now declares the defendant to be fully pardoned and his record clear!”
Is the above story likely to take place in our court system? Probably not. However, that is exactly what Jesus Christ did for us! He took the punishment that we deserve for our sin. Please consider the following verses from God’s Word, the Bible:
We have sinned against God: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
We cannot save ourselves: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” (Titus 3:5)
We deserve punishment, but God offers the gift of eternal life: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Jesus, who was innocent, took our punishment: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” (I Peter 3:18).
God promises to pardon anyone who receives his gift: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
If you have questions about your relationship with God, we would be delighted to help. Contact us! If you ask Jesus to be your Savior, would you share that decision with us?