Got Forgiveness?

Answer

Acts 13:38 declares, “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

What is forgiveness and why do I need it?

The word “forgive” means to wipe the slate clean, to pardon, to cancel a debt. When we wrong someone, we seek their forgiveness to restore the relationship. Forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves it. No one deserves forgiveness. It is an act of love, mercy, and grace. Forgiveness is a decision to not hold something against another person, regardless of their actions towards you.

The Bible teaches that we all need forgiveness from God. We have all sinned. Ecclesiastes 7:20 states, “There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.” First John 1:8 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” All sin is ultimately rebellion against God “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: That thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.”, (Psalm 51:4). Therefore, we greatly need God’s forgiveness. Without forgiveness, we will suffer the consequences of our sins for eternity (Matthew 25:46;John 3:36).

Forgiveness – How do I receive it?

Thankfully, God is loving and merciful, eager to forgive us of our sins! 2 Peter 3:9 tells us, “…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

God desires to forgive us, so He provided for our forgiveness.

The only just penalty for our sins is death. The first half of Romans 6:23 declares, “For the wages of sin is death…” Eternal death is what we have earned for our sins. God, in His perfect plan, became a human being – Jesus Christ “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”, (John 1:1,14) “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”, (John 1:1,14). Jesus died on the cross, taking the penalty that we deserve – death. Second Corinthians 5:21 teaches us, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus died on the cross, taking the punishment that we deserve! As God, Jesus’ death provided forgiveness for the sins of the entire world. 1 John 2:2 proclaims, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” Jesus rose from the dead, proclaiming His victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:1-28). Praise God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the second half of Romans 6:23 is true, “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Do you want to have your sins forgiven? Do you have a nagging feeling of guilt that you can’t seem to make go away? Forgiveness of your sins is available if you will place your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Jesus paid our debt for us, so we could be forgiven. All you have to do is ask God to forgive you through Je

Believe that Jesus died to pay for your forgiveness – and He will forgive you! John 3:16-17 conveys this wonderful message, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

Forgiveness – is it really that simple?

Yes, it is that simple! You cannot earn forgiveness from God. You cannot pay for your forgiveness from God. You can only receive it, by faith, through the grace and mercy of God. If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and receive forgiveness from God, here is a prayer you can pray. Saying this prayer or any other prayer will not save you. It is only trusting in Jesus Christ that can provide forgiveness of sins. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and to thank Him for providing for your forgiveness. “God, I know that I have sinned against You and am deserving of punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness! Amen!”

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