The Offer of a Second Chance

John 8:1-11

A personal history marked by shame and pain may lead us to heap criticism on our own heads, but it does not earn God's condemnation. The Father looks at us with love and a desire to forgive. When we trust in His promise of redemption, we receive a second chance at a life free from old hurts.

In today's Scripture passage, John recounts the Lord's forgiving approach to the woman caught in adultery. Though Jesus rescued her from a threatened stoning, she did not "get away" with sin. John didn't detail everything that happened between her and the Savior, but I believe they must have looked into each other's eyes. There, she would have seen love, mercy, and pardon--nothing like the disdain in her accusers' eyes. She saw Christ for who He was and called Him Lord (John 8:11). And Jesus, who understands all people perfectly, could see her genuine regret and repentance. That is why He did not condemn her.

Jesus knew He was the Lamb sent as a sacrifice for the sin of the adulteress. Therefore, He did not compromise with regard to her wrongdoing. Instead, He conquered the woman's sin by forgiving her of it. Imagine how hope must have burst forth in her heart. Having been caught in adultery, she was as good as dead (Leviticus 20:10), but the Lord gave her a second chance.

God is willing to make over the most hopeless sinner into a saint. No matter what we have done or experienced, He doesn't condemn us. Our Father forgives and cleanses so we have the privilege of starting anew and walking in His grace.

Dr. Charles Stanely

Nice and lovely article. God has really blessed Dr. Stanely with an ability that he writes such a small article yet explain everything in it.

God bless