Forgiven

When John Paul II passed away, speculation began about the next pope.  April 1, 2005, an American “nominal catholic” named Roger Cadenhead registered six internet domain names, ClementXV.com, InnocentXIV.com, LeoXIV.com, PaulVII.com, PiusXIII.com, and BenedictXVI.com in anticipation of the new pope’s name.  Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger was selected as the 265^th pope and announced his new name: Benedict XVI.  Cadenhead was immediately offered thousands of dollars by casinos and pornographers for his domain name, but he refused to sell.  Eventually, Cadenhead received a call from the Vatican inquiring about his domain name.  Cadenhead told them that the pope could have the domain name for free for only three stipulations: three days and two nights at the Vatican hotel where the Cardinals stay, a Cardinal hat, and complete absolution for the third week of March 1987, no questions asked.  I wonder what went on in Rogers Cadenhead’s life the third week of March 1987?!  Hey, do you have any secret sins that you would give anything to have forgiven?  Did you know that you can?  And you don’t need to have a domain name to sell.  Paul said 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.”  You can have all of your sins completely forgiven by God … including the third week of March 1987.