The Nicest Prison in the World

Welcome to Bastøy Prison Island.  This piece of land is a lush, one square mile isle comprised of pine trees, beautiful coastlines, and serene ocean sunset views.  115 prisoners are fortunate enough to stay at this prison, or maybe a better label would be holiday resort.  The inmates enjoy amenities such as a sauna, tennis courts, horseback riding, prime fishing spots, and a beach for sunbathing.  There is even a “prison blues band.”  They stay in cherry red painted wood cottages to which they hold their own keys.  They are allowed to have TVs in their rooms and wear whatever clothing they want.

While on the island the prisoners work weekday jobs such as gardening, farming, grounds maintenance, and gathering firewood.  They can have meals prepared by a chef or they can choose to buy their own food from the local shop and cook it themselves.  The chef-prepared meals include everything from chicken con carne to salmon.  So, what types of criminals are kept on this island?  There are murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers to just name a few.  As you might imagine, this prison has received plenty of criticism for their methods.  Whether we agree with their “punishment” or not, there is no doubt the Bastøy Prison is a lavishly comfortable prison.

Interestingly, there is another prison in existence that rivals the Bastøy Prison.  This prison doesn’t even feel like a prison.  In this prison many of the inmates don’t even realize they are incarcerated!  What prison is this?  Paul gives us the answer:  “I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.  For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members” (Romans 7:21-23).

The prison Paul is referring to is the prison of our own sinful desires.  When we give in to our fleshly lusts, we become prisoners of our sinful cravings.  This is a prison that every accountable person has stepped into (Romans 3:23).  This is a prison many people are ignorantly happy to stay in (John 3:19-20).  This is a prison where the majority of the inmates will remain their entire lives, with few obtaining freedom (Matthew 7:13-14).  This is a jail where the prisoners can engage in the sins they choose (Romans 1:21-32 provides an all too accurate description).  This is a prison where there may not be immediate punishment, but those left in this prison will be transferred to a permanent prison of torture (Luke 16:19-31; Matthew 13:40-43, 49-50).

After realizing the dangerous incarcerated state he was in, Paul asked the right question, “Wretched man that I am!  Who will set me free from the body of this death” (Romans 7:24)?  He reveals the answer is in none other than “Jesus Christ our Lord” (7:25).  In the previous chapter, Paul tells us more about this freedom in Christ.  Those who receive this freedom will “walk in newness of life” (6:4), will become “united with Christ” (6:5), and “freed from sin” (6:7).  The question is: how can we receive this freedom?  Paul clearly identifies the get the get out of jail card comes through “baptism into Jesus Christ” (6:3-7).

Are you living in the prison of your desires?  It may seem good now, but it’s only temporary.  Freedom is available.  Have you been freed (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21)?

Source - http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/24/world/europe/norway-prison-bastoy-nicest/index.html?eref=rss_crime

The Difference Between "Change Of Heart" And "Remission"

Neal Pollard

In 1914, Firm Foundation published a book of sermons E.M. Borden preached in Neosho, Missouri.  At the end of the book is a section of extracts, including one entitled "Change of Heart and Remission."  In this short article, Borden writes, "One very common occurrence in this age of the world is for people to mistake a change of heart for the remission of sins" (307).  Later in the article, he adds, "There is a feeling that comes with the change of heart, which is the result of making up the mind to quit the wicked habits.  Too many times that is taken for salvation" (ibid.).  Borden's correct conclusion is that change of heart happens on earth, but remission of sins takes place in heaven in the mind of God.

No doubt, there are many today who come to church services and worship with us.  They are exposed to teaching that effects their heart and causes them to want to live better.  That change in how they view life and the world, that appreciation for Bible teaching, and the other good things they feel and experience are necessary things.  However, a changed outlook, mentality, or worldview, alone, will not change one's eternal destination.  However, the right state of heart and thinking will surely lead one to do what God says to do in order to receive His forgiveness.  

When does remission (or forgiveness) take place?  All we can do is trust scripture for the answer to this.  When people 2000 years ago first asked the question, "What shall we do?", they were told by Peter, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).  They had to repent, a change of heart leading to a change of life, and be baptized, immersed, in order for God to forgive them.  Mankind tries to complicate matters, but it is truly that simple.