(You may like to read Matthew 18 v 21-35 or Colossians 2 v 6-15 in the New Testament.)
In Western democracies people are free in theory to think and believe whatever they wish and discuss differing points of view. These principles seem threatened at the moment by the phenomenon known as ‘cancel culture’. If we are not seen to be going along with whatever policy is currently deemed as ‘politically correct’ we might find ourselves ‘cancelled’.
It’s more than just some people ‘unfriending’ you on Facebook or putting sarcastic comments on something you post online. People who dissent on certain issues could be disciplined at work or even lose their post. Businesses may have their funding withdrawn. People may face real intimidation and have to move to a different area.
It’s comforting to know that the Lord Jesus doesn’t ‘cancel’ people. He welcomed the crowds, befriended tax collectors and sex workers and one or two Pharisees too! He touched people with anti social diseases and comforted people with broken hearts. He famously fed the hungry and healed the sick and promised blessing in His Father’s coming kingdom.
Jesus doesn’t cancel people but He does cancel sin. He won’t just ignore it or pretend it’s not an issue. His preaching makes it clear that if people persist in disobeying God’s commands we effectively cancel ourselves and any chances of sharing the eternal life that’s on offer.
Jesus cancelled our crippling debt against heaven when He pinned our long list of offences against our Maker to His cross and paid the penalty for them with His life. Risen from death, He invites us to repent, turn away from sinning, trust in what He has done for us and receive God’s loving forgiveness. A new start is possible. He called it a ‘new birth’. Those who have trusted and surrendered their lives to follow Jesus have been born afresh into a living hope that anticipates resurrection and glory with our Saviour.
Cancelled? Never. Affirmed? Forever!
As Charles Wesley wrote in the hymn below,
‘He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free.
His blood can make the foulest clean.
His blood availed for me!’
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