Reverend Franklin Graham has commented on Oscar Pistorius' imminent release from jail after being convicted of culpable homicide in the death of his girlfriend, saying that although a man who committed a grievous sin could manage to escape from heavy punishment in this world and get a second chance in life, there will be no such escape or second chance in hell for an unrepentant sinner.
"After a lengthy trial and conviction in South Africa, headlines this morning revealed that Paralympic runner Oscar Pistorious is expected to be released from prison this Friday after serving only 10 months of his 5-year sentence for the murder of his live-in girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp," Graham wrote on his Facebook page.
Pistorius fatally shot his girlfriend back on Valentines' Day in 2013, saying he had mistaken her for an intruder hiding in the bathroom. He was eventually found guilty of culpable homicide, drawing a five-year prison sentence for culpable homicide and a concurrent three-year suspended prison sentence for a separate reckless endangerment conviction.
The court later decided to release him based on good behaviour and on the ground that he is not considered a threat to the community. However, after his release, Pistorius would still be under house arrest and correctional supervision. He would also be required to perform community service.
Pistorius might have served a portion of his time in prison and eligible for early release, Graham said, but in hell all who are guilty of breaking God's laws will be condemned for eternity, and there will be no parole, no forgiveness, and no second chances. This is why, the evangelist said, he is continuously sharing the Word of God to other people, and praying that they would accept his gift of salvation and eternal life in heaven.
"God is offering amnesty to all sinners if they are willing to repent and turn from their sins and receive God's provision for their sin—the blood of His very own Son, Jesus Christ, who died on a Cross for the sins of all mankind, was buried, and God raised to life. How about you? Are your sins forgiven?" he asked.
