1323) There are people throughout history who many would appropriately label as evil. If I just focus on those who have lived in my lifetime, the list is dark; people such as, Jim Jones, David Koresh, Jeffery Dahmer, and Charles Manson. Even the list of wickedness found within the last two years would be lengthy, and many would be drawn to an exhausted list, remembering these individuals. Why? Because it’s fascinating to examine the faces behind the infamy. We all do this to a certain extent.

What I’d like to know is, what would have been the world’s reaction had any of these individuals turned their lives over to God and accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation? A better question is, does God’s grace extend to people such as these?  

If you examine the people in the Bible, many were liars, cheaters, murderers, and thieves. There were rapists, deceivers, and hypocrites, and yet, Paul tells us in Titus 2:11 that because of the grace of God, he offers salvation to anyone. Period. God sets no standards for whom he should pardon; he offers forgiveness to all. This blows my mind. No one is beyond redemption. What grace! What a God!

I think, however, it is important to note that anyone who accepts this gift of salvation does not necessarily escape the consequences of their actions on this earth. Yes, God saves, but there are often natural consequences for our actions.

The bottom line is, you are not too far gone.