I am re-reading a book that I highly recommend by Beth Moore, “Jesus, the One and Only.” It reminds me rather vigorously that forgiveness is still a critical concept in the life of so many so-called Christians, who profess faith as their spiritual cornerstone.
How many of you repent, but remain in a guilty state of mind because you really don’t believe God will forgive you your acknowledged transgressions? If there was ever a challenge to faith, this is it.
Deep down inside, you can’t really live a life of spiritual freedom, because you have never thought God would really forgive you for all that sinning you used to do and sometimes miss, even today. I believe you and I are dealing with another clever trick of the devil. If you really don’t believe you’ve been forgiven, you keep asking God to forgive you.
Enter the devil. Since you cannot accept your own forgiveness, you cannot stand on the faith you profess in God. Hence, you cannot live the life God has cleared for you to embark upon. That’s a hypocrite.
Enter Jesus. He took care of that. You are forgiven.
Your faith in Him allows you to accept that forgiveness and move on in freedom, which brings you the courage necessary for the testimony that undoubtedly will help others. The ensuing behavior change in you lets the world know your faith is real.
Face it. You are forgiven; not because I say so, but because Christ says so. Deal with it, please. With this truth also comes a peace that defies understanding; a peace that most assuredly will set you free.
Remember, you had nothing to do with this. God’s grace is what I’m talking about. It’s up to us, you and me, to accept it.
And when we do, something wonderful happens. You begin to see yourself as God sees you. You begin to understand the beauty of salvation. Your testimony takes shape and your words are then shaped around the blessing that is Jesus Christ.
Reread Luke 7:47 and the tears that washed the Savior’s feet: “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she loved so much…”
