PARDONED!

In the final days of his Presidency, Joe Biden issued more pardons than any President in history, including a pardon for his son, Hunter, and many of his family members.

On his first day in office, President Trump, created some controversy as he issued pardons for most of those convicted during the January 6th riots at the Capitol four years ago.

A Presidential pardon is one of the greater powers given to our President. The pardon releases one from prison, relieves one of the consequences of the crime, and restores their rights. It’s as though they’ve never broken the law.

Whether or not we agree with them, both Presidents had their reasons for issuing the pardons. No doubt, some were political. In the case of Hunter Biden you can understand as a father or mother the distress you would feel if your son was going to prison. It’s not difficult to imagine doing anything within your power to spare them, especially if you possessed the power of pardon. Your love might supersede any other considerations.

Everyone of those who were pardoned were guilty of crimes. They broke the law. They deserved to be punished. Yet, now by the stroke of a pen they are free.

The comparison is not lost on those who understand what God has done for us.

Like all those pardoned by Biden and Trump, we have broken the law–the law of God. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). None of us are righteous–no not one! (Rom. 3:10). And the penalty for our sins is death–eternal separation from God (Rom. 6:23).

However, our heavenly Father is a merciful, loving, and gracious God. The Bible says, “He will abundantly pardon” (Isa. 55:7). His love for us, even while we were yet sinners sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8). He doesn’t’ delight in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 33:11), but patiently longs for us to repent (2 Pet. 4:9).

When Jesus died on the cross, the Bible says God “laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). Through the “blood of the cross” we have been redeemed, reconciled, and restored to a right relationship with our Creator (Eph. 1:7; 2Cor. 5:19; 1 Jn. 1:3-6) In a word–”pardoned.”

Through our obedience to the gospel and our Christian service, we might feel we deserve to be pardoned. But we would be wrong. The Bible describes the depth and depravity of our sins in Ephesians 2:1-10. It’s only by God’s grace, mercy, and love that the pardon has been issued. And it’s one that is available to all who will accept it.

Imagine God offering David Berkowitz a full pardon, despite his being the infamous Son of Sam killer.

Imagine God offering Rene Martinez a full pardon, despite his years spent as a violent gang leader.

Imagine God offering Bashir Mohammed a full pardon, despite his being a murderous jihadi.

Imagine God offering the sex offender Jeffery Dahmer a full pardon, despite his murder and dismemberment of 17 men and boys.

But, he has offered it to them. And to all of us. No one is too wicked not to be pardoned.

A pardon, however, to be effective, must be accepted and received. One Idaho woman, Pat Hemphill, said she would refuse President Trump’s pardon. She said she was guilty and would pay the price for her lawlessness. Apparently, her reasons are political. But it’s her choice.

But imagine, one knowing and understanding the seriousness of their sins against God and the impending eternal consequences, but saying, “I refuse God’s pardon. I reject Jesus sacrifice for my sins.”

To those who killed the Son of God, and cried out “What shall we do?” The apostle Peter on Pentecost replied, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Ax. 2:38).

To Saul of Tarsus who consented to the death of the first Christian martyr, Stephen, persecuted Christians and made havoc of the church, God offered him pardon. The preacher Ananias said, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Ax. 22:16).

God offers the same pardon to you. And to me. It’s absolute. All encompassing. And continual. But we must accept it.

Pardoned. What a beautiful thought. And a wonderful blessing.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman