Key Text: Ecclesiates 8:11 KJV - "Because 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."

Sentence is the punishment assigned to a defendant found guilty by a court, or fixed by law for a particular offence. A deferred sentence is a sentence that is suspended until after a defendant has completed a period of probation. If the defendant fulfills the stipulations surrounding probation, a judge may then throw out the sentence and guilty plea, clearing the incident from their record.

According to the scripture, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" and "The wages of sin is death". Death is the deferred sentence passed on every sinner but if they repent, God forgives and justifies them. Death in these verses of scripture means eternal separation from God; "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" - Psalm 9:17. 

A sinner may be rich, have a healthy and long life on the earth but except they repent, their deferred sentence will eventually be executed when they die. Return to the Lord while there is time and he will have mercy upon you, granting you abundant pardon - Isaiah 55:6,7. Do not be decieved - tomorrow may be too late and there is no repentance in the grave.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, have mercy upon me and forgive my sins. Grant me the grace to live the victorious Christian life, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Reflection: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: - Hebrews 9:27.