The famous Christian writer A.W. Tozer wrote the following words: “What a gracious thing for us that Jesus Christ never thinks about what we have been. He always thinks about what we are going to be!”
He continued, “The Savior who is our Lord cares absolutely nothing about your moral case history. He forgives it and starts from there as though you had been born one minute before.”
Maybe someone reading this has really failed at something. I have good news for you. The word Gospel means “Good News.” And that’s exactly what it is. It is the good news of mercy for us. It is the good news of forgiveness and a second chance.
If you get a moment, read the first 11 verses of the 8th chapter of the Gospel of John. It is an amazing story about Jesus encountering a woman who was caught in the act of committing adultery. The crowd wanted her to be stoned to death. But Jesus confronted the crowd and said, “Those of you who have never sinner, throw the first stone.” They dropped their stones and walked away.
He then spoke to the woman, “Woman, where are they? If there no one left to condemn you?” She answered, “No one, Lord.” He then said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
On the worst day of her life, she met the kindest person who ever lived. On the worst day of her life, she experienced God’s touch of grace and mercy. The same thing can happen to us today. That is the Gospel. “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”