A certain Prince traveling through France visited the military port of Toulon, where convicted criminals were held. The general, as a courtesy to the Prince’s rank, said he was welcome to set any of the prisoners free whom he should choose. The Prince, desiring to make the wisest use of this privilege, spoke to many of the prisoners in succession, asking why they were condemned to death.

“Falsely accused,” cried one. “Unfair trial and prejudiced witnesses” grumbled another. “Unjust and unreasonable laws” was the contention of another who had rebelled against civil authority. Still another complained that he had been the victim of the corrupt social and economic system. They were all innocents who had been ill-treated and oppressed.

At last he came to one who, when asked the same question, answered: “My Lord, I have no reason to complain. I have been a very wicked and rebellious wretch. I account it a great mercy that I am still alive.”
The Prince fixed his eyes upon him and said: “You wicked wretch! It is a pity you should be placed among so many honest men! By your own confession you are bad enough to corrupt them all, but you shall not stay with them another day.” Then, turning to the officer, he said, “This, sir, is the man I wish to see released.”
The bitter remorse that filled the hearts of the other men as they saw their companion walk out free while they, themselves, remained to face their doom can be better imagined than told. Any one of them might have been set free instead, had they only confessed their guilt.

But infinitely greater remorse awaits every reader of these lines who refuses to confess his ruin, guilt and righteous condemnation, and receive the pardon which God offers only to confessed sinners.

Only sinners who have been pardoned and cleansed will be in heaven. Jesus says: “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32) “the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim 1:15)

His cross, His blood, His righteousness
My hope, My only plea,
My sins deserve eternal death
But Jesus died for Me.

“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)

~Conrad Murrell