On September 23, 1908, at the Polo Grounds in New York City, there were two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. The New York Giants and the Chicago Cubs were battling for the National League pennant, with the score tied at 1-1. The Giants had two men on base: 19-year-old Fred Merkle on first and Moose McCormick on third. Al Bridwell slapped a single up the middle, scoring McCormick.

The game seemed to be over. But instead of tagging second base, Fred Merkle trotted off the field to the Giants’ locker room. The Cubs threw the ball to second, forcing out Merkel. The run didn’t count, the Giants lost the pennant, and Fred Merkle picked up the name, “Bonehead Merkle.” *

ALL of us can relate to Fred “Bonehead” Merkle for “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  Our sinful mistakes carry much greater consequences that Merkle’s because “the wages of sin is DEATH” (Romans 6:23).

But because of God’s great love and mercy, our “bonehead” mistakes don’t have to DEFINE us nor DESTROY us!  We can be forgiven AND receive the gift of eternal life!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Because of His great love for us, God gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).  Through Jesus, we can have forgiveness and receive the gift of eternal life.

God will save those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  God will continue to cleanse of sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).

By the way, there is more to Merkle’s story....

Fred Merkle got another chance and went on to play for 14 more seasons, including FIVE trips to the World Series.

Because of Jesus, we CAN have a “second chance” and enjoy forgiveness and the promise of eternal life!

Won’t YOU accept His offer on His terms?