"Condemned Man Refuses a Pardon Dies on the Gallows"

W.R. Jones

On many occasions, I have related the following story during a sermon I preach on the subject of "Divine Pardon."

In Pennsylvania, during 1829, George Wilson was convicted of mail robbery and murder. He was sentenced to death. Later pardoned by President Andrew Jackson, Wilson refused the pardon. Confusion reigned among all who were concerned about the case. Nothing like this had happened before. What were they to do with a man who refused a pardon and chose to die on the gallows instead? Finally, the Chief Supreme Court Justice, John Marshall, ruled:

"A pardon is a paper, the value of which depends upon its acceptance by the parties implicated. It is hardly to be supposed that one under the sentence of death would refuse to accept a pardon. But if it is refused, it is no pardon. George Wilson must hang."

A few weeks went by and Wilson walked up thirteen steps. A black hood was placed over his head and a rope around his neck. Like a bolt of lightning, his body fell six or seven feet. The head jerked, the neck snapped, a few convulsive movements and all was quiet. Wilson was dead! Why? Because he had to die? No. Because he refused the pardon.

Friends, I know another, much sadder story. It is the story of our refusing the "pardon" God provided for us. Man was in sin and could not save himself. Neither could he reach into heaven and probe the mind of God to obtain salvation. What did God do? He sent His Son to die as a sacrifice for our sins. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Jesus shed His blood to redeem sinful man. He sent the Holy Spirit to reveal the Divine Remedy and to give sinful souls instructions for its application.

In Acts chapter 2, we read of the first occasion when people applied the "remedy" of the Divine Pardon on the Day of Pentecost when 3,000 souls were pardoned from the condemnation of their sins. "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone" (Hebrews 2:9). Jesus died to give men the "pardon" they need to be saved. Does this mean all men will be pardoned?

When the Jews were convicted of their sins on that day in Acts 2, were they told to do something? Or did Christ's death automatically pardon them? In verses 38 and 39, we read,

"Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." 

They accepted and received their pardon! This pardon is available to all mankind. Since all have sinned (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8), all men need this "remedy." Have you accepted His pardon? Do you want to die and be eternally lost when you can avoid it? The choice is yours to make. I hope your choice will be different from George Wilson's!

"Is Not"

Steven J. Wallace

"Love" is not something uttered but is demonstrated. Love is not envious of another's good but will empty itself for the good of another. Love moves not with error but stands firmly in what is true. God is love (1 Jn. 4:16).

"Repentance" is not the passing of time where wrong appears forgotten. Repentance is the usage of time to right a wrong that was done. Repentance bears fruit (Matt. 3:8). Repentance is not arrogant or manipulating but humbles itself in sorrow under what is true that it may be lifted up in mercy.

"Forgiveness" is not tolerating transgressions. Forgiveness is not weaponizing the memory of the sin to trample over the one who sinned. Forgiveness carries away and casts the transgression into the deepest sea (Mic. 7:18, 19). Forgiveness is not easy but is worth it. The forgiving one must always remember his need of forgiveness.

"Friendship" is not always agreeing but agreeing to always look out for the best interest of each other. Friendship does not use inflated words of flattery but walks with words of truth even when they may injure (Prov. 27:6). Godly friendship does not overlook evil but seeks to remove evil; it does not pass by the downtrodden but lifts them up; it does not ignore the circumstances of affliction but seeks to provide bandages of comfort.

Scriptures to Ponder:

• Love: 1 Cor. 13:1-7; Rom. 5:8; Rev. 3:19
• Repentance: Rev. 2:21; 2 Cor. 7:10
• Forgiveness: Ps. 32:1-4; 2 Cor. 2:8; Jer. 31:34
• Friendship: Job 6:14; Psa. 41:9; Prov. 12:26

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