“Despite my crimes, salvation is not forbidden to me”

Pierre-Louis*, 53 years old, in detention.

March 2020. For a few days we have been confined twenty-four hours a day in our 9m2 cell, because of the first wave of Covid. Lying on his bed, my fellow inmate sleeps peacefully. In the silence of the cell, sitting at our little table, I open my Bible, eager to discover parts of the New Testament that I have not yet read. A little at random, I chose the first letter of Saint John. But quickly, my reading stops. I burst into tears, overwhelmed by what I just read.

It’s almost a year and a half since I was incarcerated for horrible acts, and the guilt that overwhelms me cuts me off from God and all hope of salvation. I’m sure I’m lost. But now, this certainty has collapsed. As I read the opening verses and the study notes that accompany them, I understand in my heart that God has already forgiven me, because Jesus took my condemnation for me. What a revelation and what a relief! Even to me, great sinner that I am, salvation is not forbidden!

Suddenly, everything changes. Even though the judgment of men is yet to come, and it will be heavy, I no longer have to fear that of God. I, who was a desperate penitent just a few moments ago, here I am now with a heart overflowing with hope and joy. I feel life reborn within me. This day truly marked a turning point in my life.

A friend, who wrote to me a few months later, told me to maintain courage and confidence, that one day I will see the light at the end of the tunnel. I told him in return that it was in the tunnel that I found the light.

*the first name has been changed