" The Tragedy of a Pardon Refused "

Acts 10:34-43,  "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that GOD is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that fears HIM, and works righteousness, is accepted with HIM. The WORD which GOD sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by JESUS CHRIST:(HE is LORD of all:) That WORD, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; how GOD anointed JESUS of Nazareth with the HOLY GHOST and with power: WHO went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil; for GOD was with HIM.

And we are witnesses of all things which HE did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; WHOM they slew and hanged on a tree: HIM GOD raised up the third day, and showed HIM openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of GOD, even to us, who did eat and drink with HIM after HE rose from the dead. And HE commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is HE which was ordained of GOD to be the JUDGE of quick and dead. To HIM give all the prophets witness, that through HIS name whosoever believes in HIM shall receive remission of sins."

     In 1833, George Wilson was convicted of robbing the U.S.Mail in Pennsylvania and sentenced to death. Due to his friends' influence, Wilson was pardoned by Andrew Jackson. Wilson, however, refused the pardon. The Supreme Court was asked to rule on this unusual case, and the justices decided that if the prisoner does not accept the pardon, it is not in effect: "A pardon is a deed, to the validity of which delivery is essential, and delivery is not complete without acceptance. It may then be rejected by the person to whom it is tendered; and if it is rejected, we have discovered no power in this court to force it upon him." George Wilson was hanged.

     The living GOD, based on the cross-work of HIS beloved SON, has made it possible for GOD to remain righteous and at the same time justify (declare righteous) the ungodly sinner (Romans 3:26). JESUS CHRIST died as a SUBSTITUTE for all humanity (Hebrews 2:9; 1st.Timothy 2:6; 1st.John 2:2). Based on JESUS' finished work at Calvary, GOD offers a full and free pardon to every sinner on planet earth. The only condition is that the invitation must be accepted; the guilty must receive JESUS CHRIST and trust in HIM and in HIM alone. You would think that condemned men and women who are sentenced to eternal death (Romans 1:29-32; 6:23) would greatly rejoice in such a free gift and receive it at once. But tragically, the great majority of Hell-bound sinners refuse the GOD-offered pardon and choose instead to remain in their sins (John 8:24) and face their certain doom. How foolish it is not to receive GOD's gracious and complete forgiveness: "Through HIS [CHRIST JESUS'] name whosoever believes in HIM shall receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:43). GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: The Daily Bible Study Guide.
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