Like so many, he wants something for nothing. But nothing comes free. One way or another, everything must be paid for.”
–Elmer Kelton (Texas Standoff)
“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
–2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV)
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Isaac Charles Parker was one of the most renown members of the court system in our history. He acquired the moniker, the “Hanging Judge.” His court was extremely busy with over 13,480 cases in his time on the bench over Indian Territory (Oklahoma). Judge Parker sentenced 160 of these to death with 79 of them being executed; the others had the sentences either commuted, pardoned, or died in prison.
I will not go into any cases or the character of the Judge here, that is for another time. He was a fair man, yet firm in regard to the law. He stated, “I do not desire to hang you men. It is the law.” He declared the law determined the fate of the men after they were convicted of their deeds.
The Law is harsh and has the distinct purpose of guiding lives. Its purpose is to dictate boundaries and provide safety for the citizens. The Law of God is very similar. No one can keep it and its purpose is to show us that we sin. Man is a transgressor of God’s law, therefore what are we to do? Throw ourselves on the mercy of the court, for we cannot do that with the law. The law points out our transgressions–guilty as charged. The verdict is death.
Paul declares, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23, NKJV) and therefore, “the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23, NKJV). There you have it again, the verdict is death. What can we do? Is there no hope? Ah, but there is; there is eternal life. Continue with Romans 6:23, “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The purpose of the Law is then to show us that we are sinners and that there is the verdict of death looming over us, except for the sacrifice that we have been provided through Jesus Christ. Right now there is an escape from the death sentence and that is to accept Jesus Christ as Savior. Recognize your guilt, repent, and ask for His forgiveness. He was given by the “Judge” for this occasion–to redeem us from the sentence of death.
How many people refuse the pardon offered by a judge? How many of those in Judge Parker’s court said, “hang me! I deserve to die!” How many of them would refuse to accept, if the judge said, I give you grace; you are pardoned? Right now, God is offering grace so that when we stand before Him the verdict is not death. Right now accept Him, grace and pardon are there. Refuse and when you stand in the courtroom of heaven at the Great White Throne Judgment there final verdict will be death–death everlasting.
Now is the time–heed the call.