How These Parables Apply

Every believer can see both kinds of people inside themselves. They can, on the one hand, see the boastful, pride in them. The pride which says, "I have done no wickedness." The pride which thinks that excuses can hide their sins and make them righteous before a Holy, Sinless God on the basis of the good outward deeds they have done. Those who despise the sinners, because after all, they are untouched by the grip of sin, and see more sin in others than themselves.

On the other hand, the people of God see themselves as the prodigal. The one who, by the grace of God, acknowledges that he has sinned, and stands exposed to God's wrath. Because he feels that judgment of God upon him, he falls to the ground in deep humiliation, confessing that he needs salvation. He acknowledges that he can't hide his sins from the God who knows all things. Through humble confession and prayer, he feels that salvation is imputed to him, solely because the wrath of God has been poured out upon Jesus Christ, God's only, begotten Son. The shackles and chains that held him to his sin have been broken. He hears the glorious declaration, "You are free! The Lamb was slain for you! Christ has conquered the grave, and gained for you life in heaven with God!" He experiences freedom, not only from the guilt of sin, but the dominion of sin as well. He no longer feels like he is a slave to sin, but rather a servant, delighting to do the will of his Father in heaven.

This is why we say with the apostle Paul in Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."