Words of Grace

By Rev. Mahlon Nevel

The Old Rugged Cross is a favorite hymn of many. It was on that cross where Jesus was slain “for a world of lost sinners.”

That is what is laid out for us in the opening chapters of The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans. All of the world is guilty before God. (3:19) All of us have sinned. (3:23)

Sin is unrighteousness, and we are all filled with unrighteousness. (1:29) There is a list of all the unrighteousnesses (29-31). We may not have committed all of those sins, but we are all guilty.

It is inexcusable for a guilty sinner to judge another guilty sinner. (2:1) When we judge someone, we condemn ourself. That is because we are guilty of the same things.

We know that God is the Judge, and we can be sure that his judgment is according to truth against those who do such things. (v.2) Do we think that we shall escape judgment of God? (v. 3)

But do not despise the riches of God’s goodness, forbearance, and long suffering. It is his goodness that leads us to repentance. (v.4)

The story is told about a boy from the South who was in the process of being arraigned in a juvenile court. He had been accused of stealing a watermelon, and he was guilty.

Before passing sentence the judge asked, “Is there anything you wish to say before I pass’ sentence?” The boy thought for a moment, and then he said, “Judge, have you ever stolen a watermelon?” A painful silence pervaded the court room. Finally the judge blurted out, “Case dismissed!”