Are You Refusing A Pardon?

Did you know that there are multitudes of people under a death sentence and refusing a pardon?  It is true.  The death sentence has been placed upon all because of sin.  “The soul that sinneth it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4).  “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).   All who have committed sin are worthy or deserve death or eternal separation from the God of heaven.  Every one who lives to be an adult will commit sin and therefore separates himself from God.  “There is none righteous, no, not one.  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

(Romans 3:10, 23).  God does not want to see all men separated from him in eternity therefore through his grace and mercy he has provide mankind a means of pardon from our sin.  “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).  Mankind can escape the death sentence, if we will only accept God’s terms of pardon!  God said, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man is thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7).  God will abundantly pardon, if we are willing to accept his pardon.

We all hastily conclude that something is wrong with the individual who would refuse a pardon while facing a certain death sentence.  Yet, there are millions under the sentence of death who appear unconcerned about their condition or a pardon.  They discount the gravity of the situation, and shrug at the dire consequence that is awaiting them. 

Jesus said, “I am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).  Jesus Christ came to the earth that we might have eternal life.  However, Christ won’t force us to accept it.  Jesus stands with open arms, inviting, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; and ye shall find rest unto you souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).  Everyone needs to study God’s word to find out what is necessary to receive the pardon Christ has offered.  We have the individual right to refuse Christ’s invitation and reject God’s pardon.  No one will deprive us of the right to die in our sins!  But is it not insanity to exercise that right?

Can you imagine one neglecting a pardon, with eternal ruin threatening?  Yet there are millions who idly think that the day will come when they will turn from their sin and obey the Lord, but through neglect they unconsciously postpone accepting the pardon that the Lord has offered.   The apostle Paul warns about the danger of neglect.  “If the word spoken by angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation” (Hebrews 2:1-3).  If we fail to receive our pardon while on this earth, there will be no second chance.

The goal of the Kettering congregation is to help everyone to know and obey God while we have time and opportunity.  We encourage you to bring your Bible and come and study God’s will with us.  You are always welcome!