Sin... Own It
By J.B. Hixson, Ph.D.
06/01/2021
And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.” (Luke 15:21)
It was the 1870s. Men from around the world invaded the Black Hills of South Dakota for the gold rush. During the harsh winters, the snow often kept the miners from their work, so they spent many hours indoors. Saloons and gambling halls flourished across North and South Dakota. One night, Webster Granville, a professional gambler, was killed in a dispute with a miner named Branch Rogers. Branch Rogers was arrested, tried, and condemned to be hanged. His execution was set for July 27, 1873.
Two weeks before he was to be hanged, Branch’s mother traveled from New York to plead for her son’s life before the governor of the North Dakota territory, John Bailey. She begged him to spare her son. She argued that his deed was wrong, but that he had been drinking and, moreover, the gambler had been taking advantage of the miners. Governor Bailey made no promises but agreed to investigate the matter. He later determined, just like Mrs. Rogers had said, that the gambler was cheating the miners and the dispute was in fact aggravated by alcohol.
So, the governor order one of his aides, Parker Ramsey, to go to the prison and interview Branch Rogers. The governor instructed, “See what Mr. Rogers is thinking these days as his execution approaches. See what his attitude is. If he exhibits remorse and takes responsibility for his actions, I will commute his death sentence.” Ramsey mounted his horse and headed off for the prison.
Ramsey met Branch Rogers in a small, windowed room that looked out over the North Dakota countryside. Branch yelled and complained the whole time. “It’s not fair. I was cheated. He started it. He went for his gun first. I didn’t do it! I was only sticking up for myself.” For at least thirty minutes Branch ranted and raved about his justification for killing the gambler. Finally, the governor’s aide arose from his chair, shook Branch Rogers’ hand, and left. Parker Ramsey mounted his horse, rode through the prison gate and headed home. In his pocket was the governor’s signed pardon for Branch Rogers.
There is something about forgiveness that requires a realization that what you did is wrong. Being pardoned involves admitting your need to be pardoned. Branch Rogers came very close to being pardoned, but because he refused to admit he was wrong, he was executed as scheduled. How close have you come to being pardoned? There are a lot of God-fearing, good-hearted, well-meaning people in this world who have been confronted with their need for an eternal pardon, but they have never received it because they fail to recognize man’s most basic need: everyone is a sinner and in need of a Savior.
The story of the prodigal son is well known. It is about a man driven to desperation as he rebelled against his father and lived a life of sin. Yet, he came to his senses, owned his sin, and admitted he was wrong. He went to his father and said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21).
God, the sovereign Governor of all mankind, has offered to everyone an eternal pardon. What will it take for people to accept it? What will it take for you to accept it? There is only one way to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life: faith alone in Christ alone who died and rose again to pay your penalty for sin. Before you can trust in Jesus as your Savior from sin, however, you must first own it. Only sinners need a Savior. Will you trust Him today?
06/01/2021
And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.” (Luke 15:21)
It was the 1870s. Men from around the world invaded the Black Hills of South Dakota for the gold rush. During the harsh winters, the snow often kept the miners from their work, so they spent many hours indoors. Saloons and gambling halls flourished across North and South Dakota. One night, Webster Granville, a professional gambler, was killed in a dispute with a miner named Branch Rogers. Branch Rogers was arrested, tried, and condemned to be hanged. His execution was set for July 27, 1873.
Two weeks before he was to be hanged, Branch’s mother traveled from New York to plead for her son’s life before the governor of the North Dakota territory, John Bailey. She begged him to spare her son. She argued that his deed was wrong, but that he had been drinking and, moreover, the gambler had been taking advantage of the miners. Governor Bailey made no promises but agreed to investigate the matter. He later determined, just like Mrs. Rogers had said, that the gambler was cheating the miners and the dispute was in fact aggravated by alcohol.
So, the governor order one of his aides, Parker Ramsey, to go to the prison and interview Branch Rogers. The governor instructed, “See what Mr. Rogers is thinking these days as his execution approaches. See what his attitude is. If he exhibits remorse and takes responsibility for his actions, I will commute his death sentence.” Ramsey mounted his horse and headed off for the prison.
Ramsey met Branch Rogers in a small, windowed room that looked out over the North Dakota countryside. Branch yelled and complained the whole time. “It’s not fair. I was cheated. He started it. He went for his gun first. I didn’t do it! I was only sticking up for myself.” For at least thirty minutes Branch ranted and raved about his justification for killing the gambler. Finally, the governor’s aide arose from his chair, shook Branch Rogers’ hand, and left. Parker Ramsey mounted his horse, rode through the prison gate and headed home. In his pocket was the governor’s signed pardon for Branch Rogers.
There is something about forgiveness that requires a realization that what you did is wrong. Being pardoned involves admitting your need to be pardoned. Branch Rogers came very close to being pardoned, but because he refused to admit he was wrong, he was executed as scheduled. How close have you come to being pardoned? There are a lot of God-fearing, good-hearted, well-meaning people in this world who have been confronted with their need for an eternal pardon, but they have never received it because they fail to recognize man’s most basic need: everyone is a sinner and in need of a Savior.
The story of the prodigal son is well known. It is about a man driven to desperation as he rebelled against his father and lived a life of sin. Yet, he came to his senses, owned his sin, and admitted he was wrong. He went to his father and said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21).
God, the sovereign Governor of all mankind, has offered to everyone an eternal pardon. What will it take for people to accept it? What will it take for you to accept it? There is only one way to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life: faith alone in Christ alone who died and rose again to pay your penalty for sin. Before you can trust in Jesus as your Savior from sin, however, you must first own it. Only sinners need a Savior. Will you trust Him today?
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