God’s Generous Plan for Forgiveness
Who Needs Forgiveness?
The Bible clearly states in Romans 3:23 “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But what does that mean? When I define sin to children I simply say:
Sin is anything you think, say, or do that is against God’s rules.
God didn’t leave us wondering about right from wrong. He gave a big clue in The Ten Commandments.
#1 Have no other gods before me we read Exodus 20: verses 1-6. We could almost stop right there. Can any of us honestly say our love for God is our top priority?
#2 I’ll just quote verse 4
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth” Exodus 20:4
This makes it obvious; anything we regard more highly than the Creator of life is idolatry.
#3 You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
#4
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. This command was given to the Israelites. The New Testament seems to indicate that believers met on the first day of the week. After Easter the Bible says He rose on the third day. The women came to the tomb on the third day which likely was His resurrection day. We’re well off to recognize the benefits of a day of rest. Sunday is a day of believers assembling and worshiping together. I like to rest and relax on Sunday afternoon after six days of work (see Exodus 20:11)
Commandments 5 -10 have to do with our sinning against others.
Honor parents, no murder, adultery, stealing, lying against your neighbor, coveting your neighbor’s wife or possessions .
That defines sin for us. Many have forgotten these laws God set down so many centuries ago.
Sin is established. NO denying Romans 3:23 All have sinned.
BUT, God made a way out. Can you admit you have sinned? The wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Admitting you have sinned is one thing, but are you willing to turn from those sins and walk in God’s ways, according to God’s laws.
Here’s an easy way to remember God’s entire plan.
- God loves me
- Christ died for me
- I have sinned
- If I receive Him, meaning I accept His death on the cross and His shed blood paid the penalty. God put my sins, your sins on His only Son on the cross. His blood was shed to wash away our sins. It had to be paid by a sinless person. Jesus Christ was without sin. His perfect, holiness was the only solution for our forgiveness. Does that mean everyone is automatically forgiven and going to heaven. NO
- If we confess and admit that the blood He shed counts for the forgiveness of sin. The Bible says in Hebrews 9:22″Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” Hebrews 9:27..”.And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.”
SO, If you confess you are a sinner, and receive Christ’s death as payment, you can have eternal life. You can just pray like this, “I know I have sinned, I accept that Jesus paid the death penalty for my sin. I want Him as my Savior. I want to live in God’s ways.” That would be your confession, for all sin, past , present and future. His blood covers the multitude of sin. Did you pray that prayer? Then welcome to the family of God. You are His child.
Want some more information on how to grow as God’s child, and how to walk in His ways?
Look for my devotional E Book on Kindle next month, launch date on my calendar is April 30, 2022. The rest is up to Kindle books (Amazon KDP). I’ll post the link here as soon as it’s available. IN the meantime, Moody Global publishes an excellent booklet, Today in the Word. Their address is Donor Resource Management, 820 N.LaSalle Blvd. Chicago, IL 60610
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