This is Max Lakato. We are incarcerated by our past. Our low road choices, our high-minded pride.

We have been found guilty. Our executioners footsteps echo against the stone walls. We sit on the

floor of the dusty cell awaiting our final moment. We don't look up as he opens the door. We know what

he's going to say. Time to

pay for your sins. But we hear something else. You're free to go. They took Jesus instead of you.

The door swings open and the guard barks, get out. And we find ourselves shackles gone,

crimes pardoned, wondering what just happened? Well, grace just

happened. Christ took away your sins. Romans 3 says God in his gracious kindness declares us not

guilty for God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins. We are made right with God when

we believe that Jesus shed his blood,

sacrificing his life for us. What happened? Grace happened.