Senior Living - May 31

Will you accept this gift?

May 31

(H)ow shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. - Hebrews 2:3

In 1830, a man named George Wilson was tried and convicted of robbing the U.S. Mail, a crime punishable by death. Wilson was sentenced to be hanged. Feeling pity on him, President Andrew Jackson wrote a pardon for Wilson. Wilson, however, unexplainably refused the pardon.

The matter of accepting a pardon went to Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall, who concluded Wilson would have to be executed. “A pardon is a slip of paper,” wrote Marshall, “the value of which is determined by the acceptance of the person to be pardoned. If it is refused, it is no pardon.”

When we think about God’s message of salvation, it works much the same way. For many, the message comes to them with clarity and authority. Yet, they refuse the pardon they’ve been offered for any number of reasons.

George Wilson’s death wasn’t on the hands of anyone but himself. He made the decision to refuse the pardon. In Christ, you’ve been pardoned from the consequence of your sins. Embrace that pardon and thank God for the faith to trust in Him!

Prayer Challenge

Pray and thank God for the pardon He’s given you and the faith to accept His gift of eternal life!

Questions for Thought

Why do you think many people hear God’s message of salvation clearly, but refuse to accept it?

How might your life look differently if you had a fresh understanding of God’s amazing gift of salvation?

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