Pardon

“To serve God, to love God, to enjoy God, is the sweetest freedom in the world.” - Thomas Watson

Recently the President of the United States granted pardons to several convicted criminals. Their prison terms ended, and they walked free.

The appropriateness of these decisions has been, and will be, hotly debated. But the imagery is nonetheless significant – people languishing in bondage were set free, not because of their own strength, skill or significance, but because of the grace of a higher power who chose to act on their behalf.

Paul lived in bondage to his sinful, self-centered arrogance. But God’s grace crashed into his life on the road to Damascus, setting him free from sin and setting him free to serve.

Paul reminded his friends in Ephesus of God’s liberating gift on our behalf. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Enjoy the gift of freedom only God provides, but remember: the gift is not just from the penalty of sin; it is also freedom to serve God and do good works. The next verse says, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” (Ephesians 2:10a)

Dan Bolin

President

Refueling in Flight