A “mulligan” is a term originating in golf, referring to a second chance or a “do-over” after an initial shot or attempt has gone poorly. In informal golf games, a player may be allowed to replay a shot without penalty, essentially wiping the slate clean. In charity golf tournaments, buying a mulligan typically means purchasing a limited number of “get-out-of-jail-free” passes for the entire round.
This concept extends beyond golf to describe a second opportunity or a chance to redo something that didn’t quite go as planned. Taking a mulligan is about embracing a second chance and moving forward from a mistake. Whether in golf or in life, it’s about recognizing that setbacks are opportunities to learn and improve, and that sometimes it’s okay to hit the reset button and try again.
In your spiritual life, you have the permission to take a mulligan – to start over. Jesus already paid for your mulligan.
Asking for forgiveness is the only way to start over. The step after forgiveness is repentance, or turning away from the mistake and starting over.
Judas Iscariot failed, but could not see a pathway of forgiveness and new beginnings.
“Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind . . .saying, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’ . . . He departed, and he went and hanged himself.” (Matthew 27:3-5, ESV)
Conversely, Simon Peter also failed, but he sought forgiveness and redemption, and received life.
“And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly….
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ … And after saying this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’” (Matthew 26:75, John 21:15, 19)
One of the greatest teachings of Christianity is that it is never too late to start over.
In Christian terms, this is called “Redemption.” To be redeemed, then, is to be forgiven, justified, freed, adopted, holy, and reconciled.
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood – to be received by faith.” (Romans 3:23-25, NIV)
So, take the mulligan and receive a new start on life.
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36, ESV).