 |
 |
Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
He Refused the Pardon!
Someone has said, “Truth is stranger than fiction.” Sure enough, a puzzling case was presented to our Supreme Court in 1829. George Wilson was indicted, tried and convicted of robbing the United States Mail. Though he was sentenced to death by hanging, President Andrew Jackson chose to reconsider the case. After looking at all the facts, Jackson granted a Presidential Pardon just three weeks before Wilson’s scheduled execution. Now, here is the puzzling part; George Wilson refused the pardon!
This was unprecedented, and the attention of the Supreme Court was required. Chief Justice John Marshall announced the court’s decision by saying, in part: A pardon is a deed, to the validity of which delivery is not complete without its acceptance. It may be rejected by the person to whom it is tendered, and, if rejected, we have discovered no
power in this court to force it upon him.
George Wilson was executed on November 2, 1829.
It is hard for us to imagine that a person would refuse a pardon that would save his life, but that’s what he did. On second thought, perhaps it is not so strange. Jesus spoke of a pardon available to man, most of whom would refuse such pardon. In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus said:
“Enter by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate, and difficult is the way which leads unto life, and there are few who find it.”
Pardon, salvation, forgiveness is available, but “many” will reject it. Why? Why would any refuse pardon?
Some think they are not guilty
Yes, some think they have no guilt. A survey taken by Northwestern University revealed that 89% deny the existence of hell, while 59% believe in heaven, and 90% believe they are going there. But only 40% are in the least bit active religiously.
They think such indifference to “church” will not affect their eternal destiny. They “don’t need” the pardon that Jesus freely offers.
Some believe in predestination
Calvinism teaches this principle, and many believe it. This doctrine assumes another, that of Total Depravity, which supposedly renders man’s responsibility moot.
But the Bible says each person is responsible for his soul, Ephesians 2:1-5. The sin that separates a man from God is not Adam’s, but man’s own sin, Isaiah 59:1-2, Ezekiel 18:20.
There are some extremely difficult questions to be asked of those who hold Calvin’s pre-destination view:
- By what means is depravity passed from one person to another?
- What provisions were made under Moses’ law for redemption from this depravity, this “Original Sin?”
- What Bible passage suggests that man will be condemned for Original Sin?
- Can one repent of his Original Sin?
- How does the Bible’s definition of sin fit with the doctrine of Depravity? See 1 John 3:4, 5:17, and James 4:17.
No, the Bible says “all have sinned,” Romans 3:23, not that all inherit sin. Note Ezekiel 18:20: “The soul that sins, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son… the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”
Jesus’ sacrifice was for all men and all time, and is available to all. But one must “accept” the pardon on God’s terms, Matthew 7:21-29.
Pardon not worth sacrifice
Some—no—many think eternal life is not worth the cost. This may be partly the fault of those who have the blessing of pardon from God. When we do not reflect the joy of being a Christian, or live as though heaven is not worth it, it is not surprising that the world does not think being a Christian is a life of peace and joy.
But Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they might have it more abundantly,” John 10:10. Yes, an “abundant” life, one of hope and rejoicing, available to all. There’s no comparison. Read Galatians 5:22-23.
Some don’t know what to do
Many Bible passages make us aware of God’s marvelous grace; a grace that makes pardon available to all, Titus 2:11-12. But that grace cost Jesus His blood, and it will be of great cost to us, Luke 14:25-33.
Nearly 2,000 years ago, Christ gave a commission to His disciples: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that does not believe shall be condemned,” Mark 16:15-16.
The price of redemption has been paid. Nothing we can do will make us worthy of that pardon, but still we must do “the will of [the] Father,” Matthew 7:21. We must “obey the gospel,” 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9. We must “repent and be baptized,” Acts 2:38. We must live a life that follows Jesus’ example, 1 Peter 2:21.
Like George Wilson, many today refuse the gift of God’s pardon, Matthew 7:13-14. But why should any person refuse the pardon God offers? It is in your hands. What will you do? God’s hand is extended.
|
|
|
|
“ God made man upright; but they have sought out many schemes.”
“Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
“All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
|
|
|
|
|
I Don't Miss Because of Company
After some years of unfaithfulness to the Lord, my wife and I were restored to the fold. We decided that once and for all God was going to be first in our lives.
A few short weeks passed and things seemed to be running smoothly. We were welcomed to the fold warmly by fellow Christians. We had begun to feel like we belonged to the family of the local church. We informed non-Christian friends and family members of our decision as well.
One Saturday evening as we were preparing our children for bed, anticipating the next morning’s worship service, a car pulled into the driveway. The couple who had come for a weekend visit were relatives from Ohio. They informed us that they intended to stay the night and leave sometime the next day. As young, immature Christians, we were suddenly thrust into a spiritual dilemma. Our options were obvious.
- Miss the morning service and spend time with our visitors. (After all, we would be able to attend the evening service; they would be gone by then).
- Kindly and tactfully explain our commitment to the Lord and tell them that they could either go to services with us or stay at our house until we returned. I remember the look on their faces until this day, when, before going to bed Saturday night, we explained that we would be leaving the house at 9:30 A.M. the next day to attend Bible class and worship service, and that they were welcome to come along or to stay until we returned. They were up bright and early the next morning and ready to leave before we left for services.
Years have passed since that Saturday evening. Word soon spread throughout the family that we would attend the worship service even if we had company. Some family members considered our decision rude and inhospitable. Others commended our commitment, but none ever again arranged a visit which would interfere with a worship service! As we have grown and matured in the faith, we have thanked God many times for our decision that day. It was a boost of confidence to a couple of struggling newcomers to realize that we really could put God first.
What was a spiritual dilemma then has become second nature to us now. We never plan anything which interferes with the assembling together of the saints! We already have an appointment on Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening and nothing short of incapacitating illness interferes with these appointments! "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me,” (Matthew 10:37-38).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
