Forgiveness is not something that we as humans naturally do. We would rather hold a grudge or try to get even. We are slow to forgive and even slower to forget.
In our prison ministries, we often deal with people struggling with unforgiveness, bitterness, and anger. But, when we lift our eyes to the cross of Christ, we begin to see the truth about forgiveness. You see, forgiveness did not start with man. It started with God.
Here are 3 life-changing truths about God’s forgiveness.
1) God’s forgiveness was bought at a tremendous cost.
God didn’t just go down to the bank, withdraw a cool million or so, and go shopping for an earth-sized box of Forgiveness. It wasn’t that simple. Instead, He sent a personal Representative to the Jewish people. But it wasn’t just any representative. It was His only Son.
His Son called the people to repent and believe on Him, but they refused. Instead, they sent Him to die an embarrassing, painful death on a cross. Why would God allow this to happen? The truth is that He had planned it…so you and I could be forgiven.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
God sent His Son to take the punishment you and I deserve for our sin. He paid a tremendous cost so we could be forgiven.
2) God’s forgiveness is everlasting.
If God forgives us today, He doesn’t turn around tomorrow and say, “I was thinking about what you did, and it’s so bad that I don’t think I can forgive you after all.” He doesn’t drag up sins from our past and old skeletons from our closet.
The Bible says, “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:19)
When God forgives your sin, He also forgets it. As far as He’s concerned, it’s gone for good. In our prison ministries, we are so thankful that God’s forgiveness is everlasting.
3) God’s forgiveness requires a response from us.
Knowing the facts about God’s forgiveness and Jesus’ death doesn’t mean that you and I are automatically forgiven. We need to personally respond to God. How can we be forgiven?
A) “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31)
Choose to trust in Jesus’ death on the cross to pay for your sins—instead of trusting in good works, church attendance, or anything you can do.
B) “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19)
Repent means to turn away from your sins, ask God to forgive them, and choose to follow Him instead of going your own way.
If you will believe on Christ and repent of (turn away from) your sins, you can experience the wonderful forgiveness of God. He will forgive your sins completely and take away your guilt. You will enter a relationship with God now and live with Him in heaven someday. Will you accept God’s forgiveness today? Join us at our church in Prince Albert to learn more.
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Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!
For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
