PARDON REFUSED

In 1829 two men, Wilson and Porter,  were apprehended in Pennsylvania for  robbing the US mail. They were then  sentenced to death by hanging. Later,  President Jackson pardoned Wilson,  but strangely, he refused the pardon!  But can a condemned criminal refuse  a presidential pardon? The Supreme  Court ruled that a pardon is not  complete without acceptance, and no  power can force acceptance upon him.

The noose is about the neck of all  mankind. We all stand condemned  because of our pride, hate, guilt of  sins committed: divorce, adultery,  pornography, lust, lies, pride, etc.  “There is none righteous, no not  one” (Rom 3:9-11). “All have sinned”  (Rom 3:23) “sin separates us from  God,” bringing “eternal death”  (Isa 59:1-2; Rom 6:23).

But we are filled with unspeakable  joy: “The Lord is not willing that any  should perish” (2 Pet 3:9). He sent  Jesus to.”taste death for every man”  (Heb 2:9; Tit 2:11). Jesus is the only  way to forgiveness (Jn 14:6). Man’s  acceptance of pardon by God’s grace  is by “faith and obedience” (Gal 5:6).  Man must not refuse the pardon but  turn and be cleansed (Acts 2:38).  Ask for book: Pardon Refused!  by Avon Malone.

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