Forgiveness Is A Gift

Ken

If we view forgiveness of our sins as a right and not a gift, then we reduce salvation to justice owed to us by God. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV). Gratitude to God for forgiveness of our sins comes from understanding the burden of debt to God we incur, when we sin. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Since sin is giving in to our dying flesh and promoting our own glory, then we have no one to blame but ourselves for transgressing God’s law of love (1John 3:4). And, If we feel our sins are all but necessitated by our circumstances in this world, then we become desensitized to the greatness of God’s forgiveness, as if we are doing Him a favor by repenting, citing 1John 1:9 as our insurance of forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9). In truth, it is “according to His [unearned] mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5). We need the Holy Spirit to reset our understanding and renew our credentials about the true greatness of His gift of forgiveness. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Father, all glory belongs to You for the greatness of Your gift of forgiveness granted us through Your Son. Truly create within us a new heart that Your Spirit may empower our lives to live boldly for You that Your Kingdom would come and Your will would be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Lord Jesus, come quickly. In Your name, we pray. Amen.