Forgiveness

The message I would like to share with you today is the message of forgiveness. Sometimes people err. Even people chosen directly by God err. Look at David who did great exploits in the name of God and who constantly consulted with God for advice. He erred greatly, had to go through heavy consequences, but God forgave him. If you have erred my friend, don't despair. Don't ever give up. Trust the Lord! He keeps His promises. What are His promises? Let us look together in God's Word:

1 John 1:9-10 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." NIV

Isa 1:18: "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
NIV

Wow! God loves you so much, that He wants to forgive you. All you have to do is ask for His forgiveness and as forgiveness to anyone you may have hurt (Matt 5:23-24: "If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." NIV) and accept His forgiveness. His promise is you will be forgiven!

Can you go on sinning deliberately? Let us see what Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery:

John 8:10-11: "When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you? She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more." AMP

In other words, take Jesus' forgiveness seriously and act like you are forgiven. Just like someone caught by a policeman for speeding, and being forgiven by that policeman (NO Ticket!!! Yippy!!!) , will not leave the policeman behind zooming at 150 miles an hour! He will be careful to stay at the designated speed.

You are forgiven my friend! Isn't this great news! It was made possible by Jesus' offer 2000 years ago. Eph 1:7-9: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." NIV

Nothing you do (works) will bring you forgiveness. In fact relying on your actions for forgiveness is a sign of doubting God's promises and saying that Jesus sacrifice was not enough! Eph 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast." NIV

Only accepting Jesus' forgiveness by His great sacrifice 2000 years ago will bring forgiveness. Isn't God great! He loves you! You are forgiven thanks to Jesus Christ! Let us celebrate and share this good news with others!

In His love,

Rob Chaffart

Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org