TRACTS

PENALTY

The match was on. The score was even – and full-time was near. "Penalty! Penalty!" roared the crowd as a defender handled the ball in the 'area'. But the referee had spotted it. Blowing his whistle, he pointed to the spot. The ball rocketed past the keeper. A roar came from the crowded stands. The whistle blew for time: it was the deciding goal.

And no one complained about the penalty. The infringement was clear; the referee could do no other than allow it.

Life is like that. Break the rules and you suffer. Infringe the accepted code and society shuns you. In all cases where laws are made, penalties for infringement must be applied. It is so in the highest moral order. Do wrong, and your conscience becomes your judge "accusing or excusing" you.(1)

The fact of conscience indicates a moral law; the knowledge of good and evil; and law implies a lawgiver – God. God is "Judge of all the earth."(2)

He is just; He will do right. He will reward the good and punish the violator. But this can be frightening. How many of us have not broken God's rules?

"There is none righteous, no, not one."(3) All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."(4) And the penalty' "The soul that sins it shall die."(5) This death is eternal separation from God in darkness, pain and loss.(6)

But this game of life differs from a ball game in one great respect. God's penalty on sin can be rescinded. "All we like sheep have gone astray, and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."(6) We are all guilty, but Jesus Christ died on the Cross to bear our penalty,(7) and we can be forgiven. The only condition is to, "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved."(8) This believing means three things. First, confess that you are guilty, that you have broken God's rules; secondly, come to the Lord praying, "God, be merciful to me a sinner."(9) Thirdly, commit your life to God.

What a relief when the penalty is cancelled! The Bible calls this feeling "the peace of God which passes all understanding."(10) You can now play to win.

Author : A. Linford
More Tracts

(1) Romans 2:15 (2) Genesis 18:25 (3) Romans 3:10 (4) Romans 3:23 (5) Ezekiel 18:4 (6) Revelation 20:15 (7) 1 Peter 2:24 (8) Acts 16:31 (9) Luke 18:13 (10) Philippians 4:7

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