Forgiveness is life changing as the Lord lifts us out of the muck and the mire and sets us on solid ground. Do you need forgiveness? Are you carrying the baggage of sin that is so heavy you don’t know which way to go? If you are, you are not alone! We all need forgiveness, as Paul tells us. Romans 3:23For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.[1] Jesus brings us the good news of forgiveness. This is light for our dark times.
The first words of Jesus from the cross were not about concern for Himself but for others. Luke 23:34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. [2] Forgiveness is the very reason Jesus went to the cross.
Repentance Leads to Forgiveness
As believers, we receive God’s forgiveness when we repent of our sins and place our faith in Jesus as our Savior. When that happens, God forgives our sins forever, and we go from the Kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light. Colossians 1:14For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. [3]
However, when we stumble, and we all do, we are called to confess our sins. 1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. [4] Yes, Christians do sin. 1 John 1:8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.[5]
Jesus Knows Our Most Significant Need
As Jesus hung on the cross, He knew forgiveness was your greatest need. Without forgiveness, we could not be called to faith. Without forgiveness, eternal life in heaven would not be possible. Paul would explain this in his preaching. Acts 13: 38 “Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. 39 Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.[6] Forgiveness gives hope and enables you to be a light for Jesus in a dark world.
To hear more about how forgiveness is life changing, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/light-in-the-last-hour
[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.