The second son answered God and said, "Sir, I thank and praise You that You saw fit to reach down from Heaven and save me.

"It is true that since the time You revealed Christ to me I have not chosen to serve You as I should. Although You attempted to correct my ignorance and foolishness on many occasions, I was not able to learn. I continued on as before because it is difficult for me to change the way I am, the way I do things.

"I spent much time on the things that interest me. I did sin many times, even though I was aware or suspected what I was doing transgressed Your laws. Whenever I wanted something badly enough I took it, although I realized what I was doing might displease You or harm myself or some other person. I confess Your will was clear to me on some occasions and I chose instead to do what I desired to do.

"I could not bring myself to take up my cross nor did I follow the Lord Jesus as I should have. I can't stand to suffer. It is very hard to give up one's whole life and follow Jesus. Instead, I lived my own life and hoped Christ would help and bless me in the things I wanted to do.

"I was busy and could not find the time to pray as one ought, and I find it difficult to understand the Bible. I did not fellowship with other Christians very much because there were too many faults in the churches. They were all full of hypocrites.

"I divorced my first wife because we fought all the time and I could not believe You would have me to be so unhappy. It is true that I left my two children, a son and a daughter. I felt they would be better off without me.

"Where are they now? I don't know. My son is a drunkard. My daughter is living with some man. Neither my children nor my first wife will attend church. The wife I have now and I attend church on Christmas and Easter, and when friends get married.

"There is one person whom I hate because of what he did to me. I cannot forgive him. I hope You will forgive me for that.

"I do not know of any ministry You have given me. I have worked hard at my job all my life and have spent most of my time that way. I do not know of anyone who has come to know You because of me.

"I have offended some people but was too embarrassed to go to them and ask their forgiveness.

"This is what I have done with my life.

"I realize I have not been a faithful Christian; but I was taught when I was first saved I could never be lost no matter what I did. I have professed Christ. I believe He died for my sins and that He is the Lord and Savior of the world. I have been taught we are saved by grace, not by works of righteousness we have done but by Your mercy.

"I still am afraid to do Your will but I hope You will not be too hard on me and that You will allow me to enter Heaven on the merits of Jesus Christ my Lord."

How will God respond to each of His sons?

Current Christian teaching is divided as to how God would respond to these two men.

To be continued.