Forgiven But Not Excused

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" -  Romans 5:8

There is something called the "Roman Road" that is an explanation of the Gospel using scripture from the book of Romans. John 3:16 is, of course, another "go to" verse that communicates what it was that God, the Father, did through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, the Son. Good so far?

I had a conversation with one of my cousins today about loving sinners and forgiveness. What exactly that means in a practical sense for those of us who have been forgiven by God through Jesus and how we are to love and forgive others. This is the way I see it, and of course, you are free to disagree with me. God's forgiveness has to do with eternity. He loved us enough for His Son to pay the penalty for our sins which saved us from eternal separation from God and eternity in hell. 

What I think it did not do was give us a pass on the natural consequences of our sins with respect to the laws of man. The Bible says you are not to murder other people. If you do, you can find forgiveness through the blood of Jesus by faith. That does not mean that you will be spared from a life in prison, or worse, execution by the state. We are to love others like God loved us and desired that they would place their faith in Jesus and be born again by the Spirit. One of the thieves on the cross was told by Jesus that Jesus would see him in paradise because of his faith. That thief told the second thief that the two of them "were receiving the due reward of their deeds"

"Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." - Luke 23:39-43

Jesus did not spare the believing thief his mortal life - though He could have. Both thieves dies that day. There are many evil people on this planet who do evil things. We are to pray that everyone, including the very evil ones, will yield their hearts by faith to the Lord, and yet the Bible tells us that most will not. The gate to heaven is narrow and wide is the gate that leads to destruction. Is it a challenge to pray for an evil person? I think so, but that is not our call but the Lord's command. We are praying for their souls - but not necessarily that they might escape man's judgement for their sins against humanity. If building prisons and the threat of sending people to prison was sufficient to prevent evil, then the prisons would be empty, the judges' gavels would be silent, and the police could go on holiday. But the prisons are full, the court dockets are backed up, and there are not enough police to maintain order. But still we pray. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone