The Pardon

In the 1100's in England, people who couldn't pay their debts were placed in debtor prisons. Also people who expressed political views that were not in harmony with the reigning monarch could find themselves sentenced to royal prisons.

It was not until the 1700's in America that criminal prisons as we know them came into being. Up until that time, offenders of public law were flogged in the public square or, if the offense was serious enough, sentenced to public execution.

In 1790 the Quakers in Pennsylvania built what has become known as a "penitentiary." This was a place for penitents. People who felt or expressed sorrow for their sins or misdeeds.

The penitents worked hard each day and were separated by their cells. The Quakers believed that this separation would cause these people to think about their sins and repent, that is, have a change of mind, a change of heart that caused one to turn away from evil.

In the Bible, the story is told of the apostle Paul speaking to a man named Felix about faith in Jesus Christ. As Paul spoke of righteousness, self-control, and about a time when God would Judge everyone, Felix grew fearful and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave" (Acts 24:24-25 NIrV).

It is uncomfortable to think that we must answer for our deeds. "For there is going to come a Day of Wrath when God will be the just Judge of all the world. He will give each one whatever his deeds deserve" (Romans 2:5-6, LB).

In 1829, a man named George Wilson robbed the United States mails killing a person in the process. Later he was caught, found guilty and sentenced to die for his crime. Some friends intervened on his behalf and were able to speak to the then President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. President Jackson granted Wilson a pardon. But when Wilson was informed of this pardon, he refused to accept it!

An appeal was sent back to President Jackson. The President, not knowing what to do, turned to the US Supreme Court for an answer. The Court gave this ruling: "A pardon is a piece of paper, the value of which depends upon its acceptance by the person implicated. It is hardly to be supposed that a person under the sentence of death would refuse to accept a pardon; but, if it is refused, it is no pardon. George Wilson must die." The sentence of death was carried out upon George Wilson even though a pardon was lying in the Sheriff's office.

The Bible tells us that God was in Christ, restoring the world to Himself, no longer counting men's sins against them. As Christ's ambassadors, we beg you, as though Christ Himself were here pleading with you, receive the love he offers you, be reconciled to God that is, come back to Him and receive His pardon (2 Corinthians 5:19-20, LB).

Can't you see that the pardon is there waiting for you? But it must be received in order to avoid the Day of God's Judgment. "...the wages of sin is death..." separation from God eternally (Romans 6:23). Who earns those wages? As sinners, you and I do. Do you wish to take your wages or the pardon that God so freely offers you today?

God says, "I call heaven and earth to witness... that today I have set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Oh, that you would choose life; ... that you might live!" (Deuteronomy 30:19, LB).

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Contributed by Don Krow. If you would like to know more about Jesus Christ and His great pardon provided for you, please visit our Web site or e-mail us at WJoKrow@aol.com