“Is it wrong to ask the Lord for an early release or a reduction in sentence?” | Grace & Truth, Inc

November 2013 – Grace & Truth Magazine

QUESTION: Is it wrong to ask the Lord for an early release or a reduction in sentence?

ANSWER: This question is not easy to answer with a simple yes or no. Sin is not simply a matter of breaking man’s law, but it is an affront to God. It is most serious in His sight, for He tells us that “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23 NKJV ) and “the soul who sins shall die” (Ezek. 18:20). The prodigal son told his father, “I have sinned against heaven and in your sight” (Lk. 15:21).

God has instituted government for man’s good. Without government we would live in a condition of perpetual anarchy and confusion, as in the days of Israel’s judges. Of this time we read, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Jud. 21:25). The results were dreadful.

Since government now is entrusted to man, and man is sinful, there is bound to be failure in the administration of justice. Those who seek to rule are generally not the best of men. Because of man’s sinfulness we find that God may set over the kingdoms of men “the lowest of men” (Dan. 4:17). And “because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” (Eccl. 8:11). The time is coming when “a King will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice” (Isa. 32:1) – that King will be our Lord Jesus Christ. Man will not elect Him King, but God will give Him the kingdom because He is worthy of it. He will rule for 1,000 years.

Assuming the person asking this question is in prison, let me ask a few questions. Please answer them honestly.

Have you repented of the crime – the sin – that brought you there?
Have you confessed your sin to God and has He forgiven you?
Have you trusted the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation?
If you are saved, do your fellow-prisoners know it by your profession and the life you are leading?
Do you feel before God that your sentence is unjust or that you deserve to be released?
Have you learned your lesson?
If released would you be in danger of going back to the life that brought you into prison?
Do you have a spouse and family, and will you try to find employment to support them?
Have you learned to walk with the Lord and lean on Him daily for the help you need, or do you feel you can make it on your own if you’re sincere and try your best?

The Lord lays down certain conditions for prayer. He said that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (1 Jn. 5:14). Do you feel that early release or a reduction of your sentence would be according to His will? He tells us that if we ask anything in His Name, He will do it (Jn. 14:14). He never did anything selfishly, in self-will or for His own advantage. Can you associate His holy name with a request for changing your sentence to make it better from your viewpoint? These are some of the things you must consider in your own conscience.

Philippians 4:6 invites us to let our requests in everything be made known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. He does not promise to give us everything we request, but He does promise that the peace of God will guard our hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.

Perhaps we can learn too from the instructions given Christians who were slaves. On the one hand they were to “obey in all things [their] masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God” (Col. 3:22). Each one was to “remain with God in that state in which he was called.” But if he could be made free, he was to use the opportunity (1 Cor. 7:20-24).

Surely, having considered all these things and whatever more God might bring to your attention, you are not wrong in talking to Him about this entire subject. But remember: He is God and we are men. The prayer, repeated three times, of our Lord Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane the night of His betrayal is a wonderful model for us to learn from: “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Lk. 22:42). We never go wrong in following His example.

Answered by Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.