We know that by disobeying God's law we have fallen short of his glory -- his perfection. The penalty for not reaching his perfection is everlasting destruction in the place of Outer Darkness. We read in Acts 17:31 that:
“He hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness.”
When the time comes for each of us to stand before the perfect God -- the ultimate judge -- there will be no doubt about of our imperfection. At that time, the just Judge will sentence the guilty. When a criminal in the American court system is determined “guilty” of a crime, that person receives a punishment. In the same way, all those who are guilty of breaking God’s law will receive the punishment of Outer Darkness for disobedience to God.
But there is Good News.
While we deserve punishment for our disobedience, it is possible to be pardoned. The Good News is that we can be pardoned from the otherwise sure sentence of Outer Darkness. In the American court system it is possible for someone to be pardoned. We occasionally hear of people being forgiven for their disobedience to the law of the land. God has also provided a way to be forgiven.
Forgiveness should be Good News to those who know their need to be pardoned.
This forgiveness is only granted by God, the one who is the ultimate judge of our imperfection. We read in Mark 2:7b:
Who can forgive sins but God only?
And again in Luke 5:21b:
Who can forgive sins, but God alone?
God has provided a way for us to be pardoned from the sentence of Outer Darkness. In Acts 13:38 we read of his provision:
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
"Who is this man?" you ask. The one who carries the Good News of forgiveness...
*All Bible Quotes are from the King James Version