In last week’s article we discussed the terms “grace”
(“unmerited favor”) and “mercy” (“compassion”). It has
been said that “grace” is receiving something that we
do not deserve (e.g., salvation); whereas “mercy” is not
receiving something that we do deserve (e.g.,
condemnation).
During Andrew Jackson’s presidency a man named
George Wilson robbed a train and killed a guard. He
was convicted and sentenced to hang. However,
before the sentence could be carried out, President
Jackson intervened with a presidential pardon.
Amazingly, Wilson refused it. Ultimately, the case went
to the Supreme Court and Chief Justice John Marshall
handed down the court’s decision: “A pardon is a
parchment whose only value must be determined by the
receiver of the pardon. It has no value apart from that
which the receiver gives to it. George Wilson has
refused to accept the pardon. We cannot conceive why
he would do so, but he has. Therefore, George Wilson
must die.” “Pardon,” declared the Supreme Court,
“must not only be granted, it must be accepted.”
Thusly, George Wilson was hanged for his crimes.
Likewise, God, who delights in mercy (Mic. 7:18; Isa. 55:
6-7; Lam. 3:22-23), has provided pardon for our sins
through His Son Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:3); but we must
be in Christ (cf. Gal. 3:26-29) in order to obtain His
mercy (Tit. 3:5; cf. Lk. 1:50). God’s pardon must be
accepted in the way God has ordained; for those who
do not accept His pardon will perish. Friend, have you
been pardoned from your sins?