A Clean Slate

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” Romans 5:6-11

At a strict private school, the administration used a “demerit system” of discipline. Whenever students broke a rule or failed to carry out instructions, they were given demerit slips worth a certain number of points. Punishments were handed out according to the points, which were tallied each week in a black register book.

One day, the principal called a special assembly. In several swift motions, he tore the book apart and scattered the pieces on the floor.

The students stared in astonishment as he explained his actions. “All of you are completely pardoned, not guilty. There’s no more record of your past wrongs. You don’t deserve this forgiveness; your behavior was still wrong. I did this out of my love for you to show you a picture of what Jesus does when you accept His forgiveness.”

On the cross, Jesus tore up the record book of your sin and took the punishment for you. His blood covers your sin forever. Jesus sees you as absolutely spotless and righteous, washed of all guilt.

Is your slate clean? It can be today. Receive Christ as your Savior, and He erases all your sin. That’s what His love is all about.