By: Dr.Rev. Jeffrey T. Jo
This is ‘the word’ lately that hovers over the news & a lot of social networking sites. But what does it really mean? I’m not a lawyer (but a frustrated one 
) that’s why you may correct me on this hehehe.
Well, according to HG.org,”Amnesty law, in criminal law, is the act of a government “forgetting” about criminal offenses committed by one or a group of persons, usually related to crimes considered political in nature.
It is often conditioned upon a return to obedience of the law within a prescribed period.” Furthermore the article clarifies that,”An amnesty does not erase a criminal act, nor to condone or forgive it, but merely enables political reconciliation.”
In short the government is willing to ‘overlook’ an offense committed by someone for the sake of reconciliation.
Such initiative by the government is a good act to follow. To live in hate & bitterness of the past towards someone is not healthy & a “block” to the fullness of life. Scriptures tell us the following:
* “Forgive as the Lord forgave you”(Eph4:32)
* “Forbear one another…”(Col3:13)
* “Be merciful to others…”(Luke6:36)
But God’s forgiveness is more than an amnesty, it is called JUSTIFICATION & it is God’s INITIATIVE.
“When the goodness & loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of REGENERATION & renewal of the Holy Spirit”-Titus 3:4-6.
God did not justify us based on the works we have done in righteousness. Justification is by grace alone, apart from any works that we have done and apart from any works other sinners have done for us. God achieves justification for us & as we have seen in Romans 5:12–21, He does this through the works of Christ alone, His work on the cross!
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them & I will raise them up at the last day.”(John6:44).
Thank you God for drawing us to Jesus Who died on the cross for our sins & now we stand justified before You.
I remembered you in prayer today
