Penalty Paid

November 11th, 2008

We were visiting in Worthing Hospital recently.  We parked in the next road where we thought it was 2 hours free parking, only to return and find a parking ticket on the windscreen.  It was 10.19 am and we had overlooked the sign which read, ‘10-11 Resident Holders only!’  Justice was only achieved once we had paid the penalty, a £35 fine.

A similar situation, but far more serious, exists with each of us. The wrong things we have all done create a barrier between a perfect God and imperfect people.  However, our all-loving God took the initiative.  He allowed his innocent son Jesus Christ, to be put to death, thus paying the penalty, which should be ours for all the wrong we have done. It ‘s a bit like the Local Authority offering to take my punishment instead of me, and paying my parking fine. 

We then have a choice as to whether or not we accept it.  If we gratefully accept it, our record is wiped clean, which in effect makes us holy, enabling us to have a relationship with God without compromising his perfection. God’s holiness and justice remain intact.

Wow!  That is some offer. Those people being baptised this morning have all individually accepted that wonderful offer. They have admitted their failings, recognised the amazing sacrificial love of Jesus dying in their place, taking their guilt and punishment, and enabling them to enjoy a restored relationship with their Heavenly Father, for this life and for eternity.

This offer is extended to every person reading this today. If you haven’t already done so, ask God to forgive you and allow Jesus to pay the penalty for you today.  

David Thatcher
 

Filed under: Thought of the Week