Forgiveness and the Serial Killer

 Convicted serial killer, David Berkowitz who was more infamously known as the "Son of Sam" killer has sent word that he will not seek parole, even though he will be eligible again in May.  Berkowitz terrorized New York in the late 1970's by killing six people and wounding seven before he was apprehended.  He is presently serving six 25 year to life sentences for his crime. (Son of Sam Refuses Parole)

In the letter he wrote to Fox News, Berkowitz wrote that he had found forgiveness in Jesus Christ and is already a free man even though he is behind bars.  I will admit that I was a child when Berkowitz committed his crimes and so I have no recollection of the terror that he caused.  Even still, I know it is difficult to believe that someone who caused so much harm could claim forgiveness.  How could someone say that God has forgiven them for such terrible crimes?  As difficult as it seems to believe, it is possible. 

Berkowitz deserves to finish his life in prison for the crimes he has done.  Most people are glad that he is not seeking parole.  Berkowitz also deserves to go to hell for the crimes that he has done.  What he deserves is the wrath of God, not forgiveness.   The truth is if Berkowitz has found forgiveness by trusting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, that punishment has already been served.  God's grace is seen in that God's wrath for sin was placed on Jesus Christ at the cross.   The eternal punishment for Berkowitz's crime was meted out on Christ.  The debt of sin is paid in full.

It is easy for us to say that Berkowitz deserves hell, but it is not as easy for us to say that we deserve hell.  But we do.  The wages of sin (even what we consider small sins) is death.  The severity of our sin is not found in the harm it causes humanity but in the majesty of the law giver.   We deserve eternal death in hell, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. If you put your faith in Jesus Christ, then the punishment for your sin has been served.  Jesus took your place.  The only thing we can do is bow our knees to the one who loved us and gave himself up for us.  Think about it.