By Billy Graham • August 23, 2012 • Topics: Crime
Yes, there certainly is hope for you, because God loves you and wants to help you — and He will, as you open your heart and life to His transforming power. I pray you won’t give in to the temptation to end your life, because God hasn’t given up on you!
How do I know this? I know it because Jesus Christ willingly gave His life for you. He was without sin — but all your sins were placed on Him, and He submitted to the worst punishment a criminal could ever endure by being nailed to a cross. He did this so we could be forgiven of every sin we’ve ever committed. By a simple prayer turn to Him and ask Him to forgive you and come into your life — and He will.
Whenever I receive a letter like yours, I often think of a notorious prisoner in the Bible named Barabbas. (You can read about him in Matthew 27:16-26). He was under the sentence of death, but when the Roman governor asked the crowds if he should release Jesus, they demanded he release Barabbas and execute Jesus instead. The governor agreed — and Jesus died while Barabbas went free.
We, like Barabbas, deserve to die for our sins. But Jesus died in our place, and now by faith in Him we can be free from sin’s penalty. Turn your life over the Jesus, and discover the joy of knowing God is with you every moment of the day — even in prison.