I read an account many years ago where a man murdered his girlfriend and was convicted of his heinous crime.  Some time later in prison, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior.  Afterwards, he wrote to his girlfriend’s mother and explained his conversion to Christ and encouraged her to do the same so that she would not have to spend eternity in Hell.  She was furious by the notion that this man was now saved and thought she might wind up in Hell.  If anyone would go to Hell, it would be this man…surely it could not possibly be her!  Our anger can cloud our eyes and prevent us from seeing as the Lord sees.

We often are incensed by the wicked activities of others and desire immediate vengeance upon them.  Perhaps it is natural to become angry towards someone who commits great atrocities.  These people are normally caught and will go on trial to determine their guilt or innocence, and our governmental court system will determine their fate for punishment.  This is proper and should occur.  We read in Romans 13:1-2, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”

I say this to point out that we expect a fair and honest judicial system to mete out justice on the evildoers.  But how should we, as believers, feel towards those who murder helpless children, molest children, cheat the elderly out of their small savings, etc.  Certainly, we hate their sins and the crimes they commit towards others.  Do we want to see these deviant people spend their eternity in Hell, or do we want to see them repent of their sins and put their faith in the Lord Jesus? 

We read in Ezekiel 33:11, “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked TURN FROM HIS WAY AND LIVE: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”  The Lord is NEVER pleased when a wicked person dies in his sins.  That will automatically incur the wrath of God upon that person.  2 Peter 3:9 tells us that, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE.”

I understand how we recoil from such acts of sin against others.  It distresses us to ever think about some of the horrific acts some have done…and we want them to suffer…ever to suffer for eternity.  Let’s consider the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”  Paul was astounded that the Lord would save someone like him…the chief of sinners.  His life was completely changed when he accepted the Lord as his savior.  From the time he was saved, he lived his life for the Lord until his death. 

Wouldn’t you rather see this terrible criminal live for the Lord and spend eternity praising and glorifying the Lord?  I often say that if the Lord could save a man like Paul, his grace can reach anyone…even the worst criminals.  The Lord has no pleasure in judging and punishing the lost.  We should share in that and desire the salvation of all…even these terrible law breakers.  (CC)  (666.6)