Forgiven

by Daniel Miller

nThe night was dark and rainy, the kind of night when no one wants to be out. Roosevelt Franklin Simonson was walking toward his car in the parking lot behind the store. This was going to be a big sale that would give him the extra money he needed for a special dinner with his wife and daughters. Praise the Lord!

They were his pride and joy. They were faithful to their Lord and Savior and gave him a reason to thank his heavenly Father daily. Roosevelt loved his wife, Sharon, and was blessed to have her as his partner for life. They had been married since graduating college twelve years ago. It had been rocky at the start, but she asked him to go to church with her for Christmas one year. He realized that he needed to turn his life over to the Lord. Now he followed his Lord’s will seeking to give Him thanks for every blessing.

Roosevelt heard a noise from behind a dumpster.

“Give me your wallet and you won’t get hurt.” A trembling voice demanded. “You can go back to your fancy house and back to your rich life.”

“What’s going on? Who are you? What do you want?” Roosevelt returned turning around.

“Give me your money!” the hoodlum repeated. “I don’t want to hurt you man.”

“Go back to your drugs and leave me alone. You’ll get nothing from me but a good butt kicking. Get out of here.” Roosevelt grabbed for the crook struggling with him. Suddenly a sharp pain went through his body as the wicked knife pierced his stomach. He clutched at the wound trying vainly to stop the bleeding as he fell to the ground. “Lord take care of my family.” He silently prayed as his life left his body.

“Confess you worthless piece of crap. We know you did it we found the knife with your fingerprints on it. We have the video of you following the victim into the alley. We have all that we need to convict you. The only thing that you can do to help your case is to confess and take the deal.” Detective Rogers growled at Christopher.

“They have you dead to rights. My advice to you, as your lawyer, is to take the deal and accept the manslaughter charge. You will have to spend most of the rest of your life in prison, but this does give you the chance for parole in twenty years.” The court appointed lawyer told Christopher. “If you fight it you’ll fry.”

“What kind of public defender are you. No one helped my Dad all those times he was in the hospital. I worked in the Hardship House ever since I was able to walk, but what happened when I told them that I needed help for Dad. ‘Sorry but we don’t have the funds to help you.’ My Dad gave half of his paycheck to help those people. Now when he needed their help they told him ‘No’. He fixed the heater in the place. And paid for the parts himself. We ate macaroni for two weeks just so he could pay for it. You ever ate mac and cheese for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I can’t stand the stuff no more. Who are they to tell us ‘no’ now?” Christopher justified.

“They’re there to help feed the hungry and help the homeless. They’re not responsible for what you did.” The detective spoke up. “CONFESS!”

“Yeah I did it, but only to try to get the money Dad needs for the operation. Doc said he’d die if he didn’t get the operation. That was two attacks ago. The insurance company won’t pay for it cause they said they don’t pay all of it. We have to come up with the twenty five thousand for the deductible before they will go ahead with the ok. Mom took in wash to come up with the money. My sisters are too young to do anything. I had to do something. With Dad down, I’m the man of the house. What else was I gonna do. No one would hire a kid like me. I’m only sixteen.” Christopher claimed validating his actions. “What was I supposed to do? Nobody would help.”

“Are you going to take the deal or not?” The councilor pushed.

“Yeah. Do what you want.” Christopher said defeated fighting back the tears trying to be tough. “Take what you want.”

“You did a very wise thing here after doing something dreadful. Too bad we weren’t able to find and talk to your parents. Oh well. The worker will be by later to talk to you and make sure we did everything right. I’ll be back after that.” The councilor assured. “Now you go back to your cell.”

“Hold on there councilor.” An officer spoke. “The victim’s wife wants to have a quick word with the offender. The sergeant said that he would allow it if two guards were in the room. She must be very persuasive to have him do that.”

Charlotte was a comely woman in her mid thirties. She had a look about her not as someone grieving over the loss of her husband, although tears were present in her eyes, rather she had a comfort and confidence about her that belied the situation. She had a peace about her that Christopher couldn’t put his finger on.

“What do you want lady! People like you let my Dad suffer when he worked on your cars. All this time that he put in even though he had a bad heart. The stress you put him through ‘I want my car fixed right now.’ Put him in the hospital again. He worked himself to death trying to please you. He gave what he had to help others that didn’t have it as well. Now he needs help and I can’t be there to do it.” Christopher ranted.

“My name is Charlotte Simonson.” The woman had been crying for a while and was having a tough time speaking. “You are the one that hurt my husband. He was a good man who believed in the Lord. I am confident that he is in Heaven praising Him as we speak.

“You said that you wanted to help your Dad. Is something wrong with him? You mentioned that he had a bad heart.” Charlotte asked.

“He needs an operation to give him a stronger heart. He was born with a defect that has put him in the hospital too much. The doctors tell him that he will die from it if he doesn’t get the work done. The insurance won’t pay for the operation until we come up with the money for the deductible.”

“Why didn’t you ask for help from charities? There are many that can help you with money for that kind of thing.”

“Yeah. I spent all of my time helping the Hardship House helping what I could until Dad needed the help himself. I asked for help but they said they couldn’t do nothin’. Dad helped them when it hurt him to do it, but they wouldn’t help us. Forget them people.”

“I’m sorry that you were put in that situation. You really are too young to have that kind of responsibility. What hospital is your Dad in?”

“He’s at the intensive care unit at Mercy General. Mom is probably there at his bedside with my sisters. They don’t deserve a rotten kid like me. You’re not gonna rat me out, are you? I’m awful sorry for what I did to you lady. I wish I could take it back, but I can’t”

“I don’t blame you for feeling like that, but your parents are going to have to know what happened. You owe them that much. They are going to find out sooner or later. I’ll break it to them as gently as I can.”

“I don’t get you lady. I hurt your man and now you want to be the one to tell Mom and Dad about it and be gentle. I don’t know if I could do anything like that after what happened. You should hate me.”

“I don’t like what you did and it’s going to take a while for me to get over it, but the Lord is a forgiving God. He forgave me for my sins. How can I expect him to forgive me if I don’t forgive others? The Bible say that we ‘all have sinned and come short of the glory of God’.”

“You sure are strange lady, but I think you’re for real. When you see Dad you’ll know why I had to try to do something.” The youth trailed off.

Charlotte arrived at the hospital about half an hour after leaving the station. She had her two girls with her. The girls were Roosevelt’s pride and joy. Julie and Mary were eight-year-old twins. They both loved to go to church and learn about Jesus. They sang ‘Jesus loves me’ all the time. They were looking to their mother during this time of grief. She would have to be a good example for them.

The hospital waiting room was in a state of disrepair. The furniture was threadbare and looked like fifties rejects. The staff looked overworked and harried.

“Hello. Can I help you?” the information clerk sighed.

“Can you tell me what room Carl Walters is in? I believe he’s in intensive care.”

“Follow the green line to the south elevator and take it to the fifth floor. Turn right and follow the red line to the northwest. The nurse’s station will tell you which room he’s in.” The woman sounded exhausted.

Following the directions, the small broken family found its way through the hallways to the right floor. The conditions there were deplorable at best. Tiles were missing from the floor and ceiling. Beds were doubled and tripled up in rooms giving the feeling of sardines in a can. The nurses were obviously overworked and the doctors overwhelmed. Nurses were performing some operations that should be left to doctors because of the shortage of help. Charlotte stopped at the nurse’s station to find out where to go.

“What room is Carl Walters in? I have something important to talk to his wife about. I understand she is here at his bedside.” Charlotte asked.

“He’s in room 508 at the end of the hall.” The head nurse responded.

“How is he doing? Is he going to make it?” Charlotte inquired.

“The doctor is in seeing him now. He’s recovering nicely. I wish we had more patients that fought for life like him. That would make this job more rewarding.” the nurse replied.

Moving toward the room Charlotte met the doctor as he came out of Carl’s room.

“How is he doing doctor?”

“He is a fighter. I told him that he would need surgery six months ago. He’s awake now. I sure hope he comes up with the money for that operation. I’m doing my part for free to help the man. You know my brother works at the auto shop with him. My brother told me about a salesman once that Carl helped. The guy had a flat on the way to meet his wife and kids for a church social. Carl stopped what he was doing to get the man back on the road and didn’t charge him anything. Said the guy was named after a president or something like that. We need more people like that in the world. Too many people just think of themselves and forget about the other guy.” The doctor lamented.

“You’re right. We need to think more about how the Lord helped the needy and served the poor. We need to follow His example.” She commented as the doctor walked away.

Thinking to herself, Charlotte took out her cell phone and made a phone call. She had very powerful friends in the charities that she worked with. Maybe Joe would be able to help. He was looking for a good chance to help people with his business connections.

Upon entering the hospital room, Charlotte saw Christopher’s family gathered around the bed. Two other men were in the same room awaiting surgery. Beverly, Christopher’s mother, was a charming woman in her early forties. She looked overly tired and overworked. She had been reading a prayer book and holding her prayer beads when Charlotte entered the room.

“Can I help you Miss? Is that your father in the other bed? I’ll try to keep my children out of your way while you visit.” Beverly stated.

“That’s okay. I’ve come here to see you, Mrs. Walters. I have news from your son Christopher.” Charlotte replied.

“Is he alright? Did he find the help he was looking for? We haven’t talked to him since late yesterday afternoon.” Carl asked feebly.

“Not exactly. I want you to know that he loves you all very much and would do anything to find the money that you need. I have some bad news for you and I don’t know how to put it to you easily. Christopher has found some trouble. I’m sorry to say that it is very serious. You see, he was trying to find work and trying to find help to pay for the operation. He just wasn’t having any luck.”

“What did he do? I know he was getting desperate. I hope no one got hurt.” Beverly gasped.

“I’m afraid that it was much worse than that. You see.” She stumbled. “You see he was completely frustrated and saw an opportunity to make some quick money.”

“He didn’t get mixed up with those dealers did he? They won’t leave him alone. They hurt the whole neighborhood with that junk.” Carl commented.

“No it wasn’t drugs. You see he was standing near an uptown office building when a man came by. Christopher followed him with the intent to scare him into giving him his wallet. The man struggled with him and the man was hurt. He didn’t survive. Christopher is at the fifth street station. He has confessed to what he did and has asked me to give you the bad news. I know he is sorry for what he has done. When I left him, he was in tears.”

“Oh no!” Beverly moaned. As the realization struck her. “You’re not an officer are you? We can’t do anything to make up for it. Why are you here?” Beverly asked stunned.

“I came here to find out what kind of people Christopher would give up his freedom for. I was struck by the lengths that he would go to; to do what he thought was his responsibility. I see that you are a very religious family. Do you go to church regularly?”

“I go every week no matter how bad the weather. I confess to the priest every Saturday. Carl goes with me most of the time that he can get away from work. Carl does quite a bit to help the homeless shelter.” Beverly stated proudly.

“I understand. Christopher mentioned that Carl fixed the heater at the Homeless House. You all give your time and money to help make that place work. You are doing a wonderful work. I can’t fault you for that. Let me ask you, do you believe in the Lord.” Charlotte asked.

“We are very active in the church. We do all that we can to make this world better.” Carl stated.

“That’s very commendable, but do you know that you are going to Heaven?” Charlotte prodded.

“We hope to make it out of Purgatory in due time. We have done all that we can to help the poor.”

“Let me show you something.” Charlotte said pulling out her pocket Bible. “Here in Ephesians chapter two verses eight and nine it says ‘For by Grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.’ What does that mean to you?”

“I never saw that before. If we can’t earn our way into Heaven, how can anyone be good enough to make it?” Carl asked.

“Look at this other scripture over here in Romans chapter ten, ‘That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.’ What do you think that means?”

“I can’t make it to Heaven on my own. I must believe in Christ to get there.” Carl said understanding.

“Look what it says in Romans chapter five, ‘For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.’”

“I can’t do it by myself. All the work I put in to help everyone was all for nothing. It won’t get me to Heaven. Only the blood of Jesus can get me there. I must believe that he has paid for my sins. I do believe. God, help me to have faith in you. Make me justified by your blood. I want to be with you when I die.” Carl prayed.

Dazed, the doctor came in the room with a huge smile on his face. “I don’t believe it. I just don’t believe it. I just received a call from a little known charity that I belonged to years back. The Foundation for the Betterment of the World has granted our hospital a ten million dollar award for patient care. The grant comes with one restriction. The first million has to be used to help with uninsured or underinsured critical patients that can be helped with surgery. You are the perfect candidate. Your surgery will be scheduled as soon as the paperwork can be done. The other doctors that are waiting will be called as soon as possible. I had to tell you the good news. The best part is that funding is also to be used for aftercare. Your hospital bills will be taken care of. You must have someone special looking out for you Carl.”

“I do now Doctor. I have found someone that cares very much for me.” Carl replied rejoicing. “The Lord is good to his people.”

Beverly sat in the chair in tears. “The priest told us that we only need to come to confession and he would absolve us from our sins.”

“Let’s see what Jesus said in the book of John.” Charlotte said turning her Bible to the page. “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father but by me.”

“So the priest can’t get rid of my sins. I must have Jesus take care of them for me. Dear Jesus, I know that I have sinned and I know that I can’t go to Heaven without you. Please come into my heart and forgive me from my sins. I need you to help me.” Beverly prayed.

“Charlotte, Christopher needs God too. Please go back to talk to him.” Carl pleaded.

“I’ll be delighted to as long as I can get in to see him.” Charlotte assured.

Charlotte turned to her daughters, who were playing with Christopher’s little sisters. The four girls were about the same age. Mary, Charlotte’s oldest daughter was telling the others that Jesus would help their Daddy get better.

“Just believe when you ask God to help and he will do it.” She enlightened.

Charlotte smiled at her children. “Girls, it’s time to go now. We’ll be back to see your new friends later. I have something I have to do. Let’s talk on the way.”

Once they were in the car, Charlotte asked her children what they were thinking.

“I’m sad that Daddy ain’t called yet. He never said good night last night. Where is he?” Julie asked.

“Daddy is sleeping. He is dreaming about being with God and talking to Him. Ain’t that right Mommy.” Mary said.

“That’s right dear. He is sleeping and talking with God. He is not going to wake up any time soon. Do you understand girls?” Charlotte inquired.

“Daddy isn’t coming back, is he Momma? What are we going to do?” Mary asked timidly.

“We will trust in God to provide what we need.” Charlotte responded. “What do you think about Christopher?”

“He is the one that made Daddy go to sleep. He’s a nice boy even if he is mad and scared now. He needs to talk to God.” Julie said.

‘Out of the mouths of babes.’ Charlotte thought. That’s just what Christopher needed, a one on one relationship with Christ.

.

“Here she comes again.” The detective said. “This time she has an even more determined look on her face.”

“She the one that lost her husband?” an officer asked.

“Yeah. After she talked to the kid, she went to see his parents. You know his Dad is in the hospital dying waiting for an operation. That has to be tough. That kid sure is messed up. I wonder what she wants now.” The detective retorted.

“Hello detective. Can I go back and talk to Christopher again? I have something to tell him about his father.” Charlotte asked.

“Oh no. Did his Dad pass on? This has got to be wreaking havoc on his Mom. The poor lady has been through enough already.” The detective came back.

“No, this is good news. Someone gave the hospital a grant that is letting his Dad get the operation. He’s going to be all right. Do you think I could tell the boy myself?”

“You’re going to have to talk to the watch commander again. He’s in his office at the end of the hall. I don’t think he’ll let you in, but you can always ask.”

“God will set the path. If He opens a door no one can close it.”

“I heard the news Charlotte. The social worker is in the interrogation room talking to Christopher now. You can see him as soon as they are ready to come out.” The commander said coming from around the corner.

“Can my children come in with me? I want them to see what happens.” Charlotte requested

“I don’t know if I can let that happen. The children are young and vulnerable. If anything were to happen to them it would cost me my badge.”

“If anything happens you will be watching with your officers in the other room. Nothing can happen that quickly. Besides, I don’t think Christopher really wants to hurt anyone. I think it was all an accident. Let me take the responsibility for what happens.”

“I’ll let it happen only under one condition. Two of my officers will be in the room as guards. That way they can stop him before he acts.” The commander turned to the two officers that were there. “You two will do. Make sure the lady and kids are safe. If one hair on them gets harmed, I’m gonna have both of you guarding the garbage dump. You got that? Good.”

Inside the room, the social worker was finishing up with Christopher. “I want to know if you are treated roughly. I don’t see anything wrong with what has been done so far. I’m going to talk to your parents and bring them in to talk to you. You’ll need them to help see you through this ordeal. I will be back to see you later. Let me know if one of these guys put a hand on you.”

The door opened up with the watch commander on the other side. “Mrs. Harris, will you stay for just a moment longer. There is someone here that wants to talk to your client and I think you should be present when she comes in.”

“Who is it? Someone with some food I hope. The garbage you feed the prisoners here is not fit to feed a dog. Didn’t I see you with a couple of cheeseburgers on my way in. Let this poor boy have one.” Miss. Harris demanded.

“Supper is coming up in an hour.” The commander growled. “He can eat what the rest of them have. Let me introduce you to a very persuasive lady. Mrs. Harris, I would like you to meet the wife of your client’s victim. This is Charlotte Simonson. Mrs. Simonson this is Miss. Harris the social worker assigned to the perp.”

“Christopher told me that you talked to him earlier. He thinks that you are strange in a good sort of way. Different from most people he’s met. He says you know God.” Miss. Harris stated.

“I believe in the Lord and trust in Him as my Savior. I have something that I want to talk to Christopher about. I don’t mind if you want to stay in the room while I talk to him. The Watch Commander has already given his permission. My children will be in the room as well as a couple of officers.” Charlotte divulged.

“I want to be here for this. It should be good. I’ll stay just to make sure you aren’t putting ideas into the boys head.” Miss. Harris answered back.

When they were all seated, Christopher was across the table from Charlotte surrounded by the officers.

Christopher was the first to speak “Did you get in to see Mom and Dad? How’s Dad doing? Are my sisters ok?”

“Your Mom and Dad are doing very well. Your sisters are fine as well. The doctor has good prospects for them all.” Charlotte answered.

“That’s good. How did they handle the news?”

“It did shock them, but they will get over it. They were anguished by the news. They wanted me to come back and talk to you.

“Christopher, they wanted to have me ask you a question. Are you a Christian?” Charlotte asked.

“I’ve tried to be a good person all of my life. I’ve helped at the shelter giving food to the homeless. I’ve tried to make the world a better place. But there’s no way God would let me in Heaven now. I killed somebody. I just want to put that off as long as I can.”

“Christopher, let me show you something.” Charlotte said as she opened her Bible again. “Are you familiar with a disciple named Paul?”

“He was a great man of God. He wrote some of the New Testament I think.”

“That’s right. Do you know that you and Paul have something in common? Paul was also known as Saul.”

“Yeah, I remember that. He saw Jesus on a road and couldn’t see for a while. I don’t know what you mean. I can see pretty good.”

“Do you know what Saul was known for?”

“He did something. I’m not sure what it was.”

“Saul was a Jewish scholar that hated the church. He even had people put to death for believing in Christ as the Savior.”

“So that must mean that he was a murderer. But how could that be? He was a big part of that religious stuff back then.”

“When Saul met Jesus, Jesus forgave him for his sins. Even for what he did to Christians.”

“So that means that even someone like me can be forgiven. What do I have to do? Do I have to give you lots of money? I don’t have much.”

“No amount of money can get you to Heaven. Jesus said ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father but by me.’ The only way that you can get to Heaven is to believe in Jesus Christ. He died on the cross to pay for your sins.”

“I believe in Jesus. I want to go to Heaven. Lord help me turn my life around so that I can live for you. Forgive me for my sins. Let me live for you.” Christopher was in tears with his head in his hands praying out loud.

Charlotte reached over caressing his head, comforting him. “I have more good news for you Christopher. When I went to talk to your parents, they both accepted Christ too. On top of that the hospital has received a grant that’s going to pay for your father’s operation. God’s miracles never end. The doctor says that he should be able to get the operation in two weeks. He might even be able to come to your hearing.”

Christopher cried out loud. “Dad’s going to be alright? I can’t believe it. God sure is good to us even when we don’t deserve it.”

The hearing began two days later. The prosecutor gave a speech about how the system works to catch and convict the guilty. The public defender gave a speech about how the system worked to help to give the guilty a fair hearing. In the end, the two had agreed to a guilty plea of assault with first-degree manslaughter. Christopher would have to spend time in a facility for youth offenders until he turned eighteen, and then finish out a twenty-year sentence in prison. During that time, he would be required to finish his education to get a high school diploma. In addition, he would have to learn a trade inside that he could transfer to the outside upon his release. He would be eligible for parole in fifteen years.

“I understand that the prosecutor and the public defender have worked out a plea agreement that both are satisfied with. Does the accused agree to these terms?” the judge asked.

“I agree.” Christopher stated sorrowfully. “I have done something that can’t be taken back. I got to pay for what I did.”

The judge gave a stern look around the courtroom. The perpetrator’s family was sitting behind him in the gallery. Newsmen were writing in their notebooks taking notes. Everyone was where he or she was supposed to be except one person. The victim’s wife was sitting with the perp’s family behind the defendant.

“Before I accept the agreement I have something to say about this case. This youth was put in a situation that was bigger than he should have been responsible for. In this case, I want it put on record that the system has failed. I understand that this youth had asked for help from every source that he could find only to be turned away. He took on the responsibility of a family and tried to do things the right way. For that, I commend the youth. I don’t know if I could have handled those same things at that age myself. The system failed him in letting the situation get to the point of desperation. At that point, he admittedly turned to a desperate act out of frustration. That act is why we are here today.

“Young man, you have acted in a foolish and evil manner. You took it upon yourself to injure an innocent man with a loving family. Two young children will now have to grow up without the loving guidance of a good father. I cannot let you go unpunished for this crime against society. As your judge in this hearing, I have the authority to not accept this plea bargain and force a trial. I am told that you have a special person on your side to help guide you,” he said motioning to the widow, “who, beyond my understanding, is supporting you in your time of trouble.

“In your defense, you take full guilt for your crime, and for that, I also commend you. Not everyone in your situation would do that. Most would fight all the way. My judgment for you is to take the plea agreement that has been offered and accepted.

“You are to be remanded to the state juvenile detention center until you reach your eighteenth birthday. On that day you will be transferred to the state prison to finish out the remainder of your twenty-year sentence. During your time of incarceration you will finish your high school studies to graduate with an equivalency degree. You will also be trained in a skill that you will be able to use upon your release. If you do not meet these two conditions I am stipulating that you will not be given possibility of parole. Do you understand the sentence as it is put to you?”

“I understand your honor. I accept the punishment for what I have done. I wish that I could take it back, but I can’t. I only hope that people can forgive me for what I did.” Christopher replied.

“Does the prosecution have any comments for the court?” the judge asked.

“We accept your conditions your honor.” The prosecutor consented.

“Your sentence is passed.” The judge ruled with the swing of the gavel. “Now as to a matter related to this case. Earlier today I received a telephone call from the governor. Governor Michelson has heard of your case and has taken a special interest in your future. By his grace, your sentence has been commuted with the condition that you seek counseling from an approved psychologist. If you fail to graduate high school or come before any court for as much as a traffic ticket and are found guilty, you will be forced to fulfill your sentence without the possibility of parole. You are remanded to the custody of your parents until you reach the legal age of eighteen.

“Young man, you have some very special people around you. Learn from them. You have been given a second chance that not many people are given. Make something of yourself. I’ll be watching you. This hearing is adjourned.”

God is good to those who believe in him. As a young teen, I came to know the Lord through an organized soul winning night. A man from a church knocked on my door and I opened it. He told me about God and how I could be saved. I didn’t understand everything he told me, but I knew that I wasn’t going to Heaven. As a kid I had visited many churches and found that most didn’t care about me except that I was one of about a hundred nameless children that they picked up for Sunday School. From them I learned that God was a religion.

When Bill talked to me on that lonely Thursday night, I found a loving God that promised to be there with me forever. During my life He has kept that promise even when I turned from Him, back to running my own life. He watched over me and kept turning me around and opening doors that led me back to Him. I found that the best way to live, is to serve Him.

If you do not know Christ as your Savior, no matter how good you are, you will not go to Heaven. Christ died on the cross for every man’s sin. No one is meant to go to Hell. His blood is all that is needed to wash away your sins. As John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Salvation is God’s gift to man. If we try to earn it, it is no longer a gift. We only have to accept it and accept the work that Christ has done for us. That is why Jesus grew up from a baby to die on the cross.