Guilty
Last Saturday we had an account that illustrated the truth of the verse: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Here is another story from history to emphasize the same truth:
Frederick the Great, the Prussian king from 1740 to 1786, was once touring a Berlin prison. The prisoners fell on their knees before him to proclaim their innocence, all having this excuse and that excuse as to why they should not be incarcerated — except for one man, who remained silent. Frederick called to him, “Why are you here?” “Armed robbery, Your Majesty,” was the reply. “And are you guilty?” “Yes indeed, Your Majesty, I deserve my punishment.” Frederick then summoned the jailer and ordered him, “Release this guilty wretch at once. I will not have him kept in this prison where he will corrupt all the fine innocent people who occupy it.”
Yes, the person who admits that they are a helpless, guilty sinner is the person who obtains mercy and salvation through the work of the Lord Jesus on the cross.
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