They that are healthy have no need of a doctor,
but they that are sick; I have not come to call
the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mark 2:17
I received a letter just recently from someone who asked me if prisoners, who claim to have become believers in Christ, can really be forgiven for their sins and crimes...
but they that are sick; I have not come to call
the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mark 2:17
I received a letter just recently from someone who asked me if prisoners, who claim to have become believers in Christ, can really be forgiven for their sins and crimes...
...and can they receive salvation. It was a fair and honest two-part question, and I was happy to answer it.
I gave her some examples of men who committed murder, but were later forgiven. They were even used by the Lord to accomplish much good. These were Moses, King David, and the man who became known as the apostle Paul.
I told her that Jesus died for sinners, paying for our sins with His own blood. And I quoted from Mark's gospel where in the second chapter, the Lord Jesus is declaring how He had come to call all those who broke God's laws to repent of their sins. And I quoted John 3:16 as well, showing her how salvation is offered to all who are willing to place their faith in Christ.
I asked her to think about the thief on the cross who was being crucified right next to the Lord, and how he cried out to Jesus to remember him. The Lord replied, "Today you will be with me in paradise." That thief received salvation right then and there, I said.
I went on to tell her that Christ can forgive and save sinners anywhere, and in any place. People get saved on street corners, on beaches, in planes, and on ships. They even get saved in foxholes and in bomb shelters during times of war.
The fact is that Father God's throne of grace is always open, and needy visitors are always welcome. As the Scripture plainly states, "For whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).
So can people get saved in a jail cell or in a prison? Yes, they can. And God has no problem with this!
D.B.
I gave her some examples of men who committed murder, but were later forgiven. They were even used by the Lord to accomplish much good. These were Moses, King David, and the man who became known as the apostle Paul.
I told her that Jesus died for sinners, paying for our sins with His own blood. And I quoted from Mark's gospel where in the second chapter, the Lord Jesus is declaring how He had come to call all those who broke God's laws to repent of their sins. And I quoted John 3:16 as well, showing her how salvation is offered to all who are willing to place their faith in Christ.
I asked her to think about the thief on the cross who was being crucified right next to the Lord, and how he cried out to Jesus to remember him. The Lord replied, "Today you will be with me in paradise." That thief received salvation right then and there, I said.
I went on to tell her that Christ can forgive and save sinners anywhere, and in any place. People get saved on street corners, on beaches, in planes, and on ships. They even get saved in foxholes and in bomb shelters during times of war.
The fact is that Father God's throne of grace is always open, and needy visitors are always welcome. As the Scripture plainly states, "For whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).
So can people get saved in a jail cell or in a prison? Yes, they can. And God has no problem with this!
D.B.
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