Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Forgiven for how long?

Micah
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.  You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

Guilty. It's a common feeling when we, as Christians, come to the realization that
we are sinners. Before coming to Christ, we may have been conveniently unaware of
the degree or frequency of our sins, yet once we have been justified, we still will sin.
I believe that it is quite important to come to grips with the nature of this 'forgiveness'
given through the grace of God and the sacrifice on the cross of The Son of God.

Is this forgiveness conditional? No, the forgiveness is not conditional.

Is this forgiveness temporary? No, it is not temporary.

Is this forgiveness earned? No, we did nothing to deserve this gift of forgiveness.

Is this forgiveness one that can be removed? No, there will be no removal. Once and
   for ever.

Why then, will we not simply allow this free gift of forgiveness for sinners who still
sin to cause us to simply sin more? The answer, quite simply, in a word, is Jesus. He
is not about to allow us to continue our paths without a regeneration of the heart,
a movement toward sanctification. He has gathered us to Him and He has the absolute
power to maintain us and grow us in righteousness. You can take that the bank!~!

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 2:1 

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  

Hebrews 10:17 

Then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

That feeling of guilt comes upon us when God the Holy Spirit reminds us that we
have sinned. He is our counselor and He will not fail to grow our recognition of sin
and our desire to avoid and combat our sinful tendencies. We are in His good and
capable hands.... forever!

Praise God!