Power Point - December 8, 2004

December 8, 2004

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

-1 Timothy 1:15

All parts of this story, some true and others questionable make a very powerful point.

Velma Barfield was executed by lethal injection in 1984. She had murdered her mother, her boyfriend, and two other people she cared for—what society may consider as some of the worst sins one could possibly commit. While in prison, Velma accepted Christ and, according to her friend Anne Graham Lotz, Billy Graham’s daughter, became a woman of God.

Anne Graham Lotz comforted Velma by saying, “Don’t think of it as the executive chamber. Think of it as the gateway to heaven.”

But Velma needed reassurance of her forgiveness as the hour of her execution drew near.

Anne said, “Have you ever been to a beach and noticed on shore those little tiny crab holes?”

“Yes, I’ve seen them,” Velma said.

“Have you seen where a child has dug holes to widen a channel?” Anne asked.

“I have seen those too,” Velma said.

Anne Graham Lotz then summed up by saying, “You’ve seen the little holes, middle-sized holes, and great ones. Velma, what happens when the tide comes in? It covers them all equally, doesn’t it? Well, that’s also what happens when you are covered by the blood of Jesus. All of your sins are equally covered.”

Every sin you’ve ever committed—whether you measure them, big or small—was fully atoned for when Christ died on the cross. So many people live with shame, guilt, and condemnation because of sins they think are greater than the next mans. Sin is sin…and God hates it all. But Christ died for them all—no matter what size you think they are.

Based solely on the fact that Christ hung on a cross and died for your sins is enough. And He declares all those who ask for his forgiveness and trust in Him—righteous. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are forgiven and have no reason to condemn yourself for your sins. His blood was enough to cover them all.