The Penalty

I have lived a live of sin; committing transgression upon transgression.
I have failed to love as I have been commanded by my Lord.
I have been part of those who made love seem vile or immoral; by confusing it with lust.
Now; I repent of that.

I clearly remember how I have loved the world and its impurities.
I recall how I have accused God’s people of being hypocritical; while they tried to live in His light.
I have judged the actions of others on criteria that do not matter; I forgot what love was.
Now; I repent of that.

I have been ungrateful, saying that what I had was less then what others had and that I deserved more.
I have been unfaithful, arrogant and inpatient; trusting only in myself.
I followed Mammon with might and condemned those that did not.
Now; I repent of that.

I have neglected the gifts I have received from Him; I have kept it for myself.
When I did share it with others, I made sure that I got the recognition I felt I deserved.
I have given that which I expected, undue importance.
Now; I repent of that.

There are so many things I did not understand; I blamed the preachers for that.
I have neglected the responsibility I have for my soul and those of others.
I forgot that I should have knowledge of God and His holy Word.
Now; I repent of that.

Any one of these transgressions, or the others I have not mentioned; should bring my damnation.
I should die; face the penalty for my life; to pay the price for all these wrongs.
The penalty should be loosing all my blood, an eternity of torment of my soul being separated from God.
I should lay down my life, and even then it would not be enough; how do I make it right?

Only the blood of an innocent man; the blood of God could set me free of this penalty.
There is only One who could make all my wrongs right.
Only One could heal what I have broken and scattered; but why would He?
What would bring a superior being like God to free me from my sin?

The answer is LOVE.
Only a perfect love; one of giving all, expecting nothing in return, would do.
He knew what the price would be; He anticipated every pain, the prick of each thorn on the crown.
His love is so great that He endure all He had; and, He would do it even if it was just for me.

Salvation is available for all, because the Blood of a God was shed.
His love and grace is so great that His salvation was even made available for those who drove in the nails.
My God humbled Himself; allowed those He loved to shed His Holy Blood.
This had to happen, before you and I could be saved from the Penalty of our sin.

Repent with me my brothers and sisters whom I love.
Accept His salvation and remember that His blood was enough.
Turn away from sin; live a life of virtue and do it with love, true love.
Follow Christ in faith and make it apparent in your conduct, that you love Him and one another.
By : Thys Groesbeek