The Criminal’s Gospel
Did you recently hear about the Tate brothers’ arrests in Miami?
These two brothers are among the most recognizable social media personalities, known for their luxurious lifestyle, kickboxing background, fitness, and bold opinions. They are impressive speakers in many ways: full of masculinity, energy, and confidence. At times, however, they also speak with revenge, pride, and language that is not always appropriate. Was that the reason they were arrested? Not at all. You can search for the allegations yourself. It is not the purpose of this platform to determine whether they are guilty or innocent. The legal system exists to do that.
One thing I do know is this:
there is no sin or crime on earth that is beyond the forgiveness of God.
God’s forgiveness is not permissive grace; it is transformative grace.It changes wicked people into righteous people, not because they become perfect, but because Christ makes them new.
The truth is that none of us were ever righteous. We have all sinned. We may not be criminals in the eyes of society, but before a holy God, every one of us has fallen short because of sin. But thank You, Jesus, for dying on the cross, a criminal’s death, for our sins. Not only for ours, but for every sinner and every criminal who turns to Him. The Tate brothers or anyone else.
Yes, if someone is proven guilty, the justice system has a responsibility to uphold justice, and actions have consequences.
But in the Kingdom of God, even a criminal can be completely forgiven if he or she repents, says yes to Jesus Christ, and believes in His death and resurrection.
Think about the criminal who was crucified beside Jesus. He was guilty, condemned, and hanging on a cross because of his crimes. Yet, in his final moments, he placed his faith in Christ. Jesus responded,
“Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
That is the power of God’s grace. The message of Jesus is not that sin has no consequences. Rather, Jesus’ message is that forgiveness is available to every guilty sinner who repents and believes. Remember also the woman caught in sin. The crowd was ready to stone her to death because of her sin. Jesus confronted those who wanted to condemn her and reminded them of their own sinfulness. After they left, Jesus said to her,
“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on sin no more".”
Forgiveness was followed by transformation.
There is hope for criminals. There is hope for sinners. In one way or another, every one of us belongs in that category apart from the grace of God. Pray for those whose sins or crimes have deeply damaged humanity. They need redemption, a transformed mind, and a new life through Jesus Christ. God’s transformative grace can change anyone who receives His work. May God’s Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.