Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Understanding Grace: Completely Forgiven

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

 Isn't it exciting to grow in our understanding of the wonderful grace of Almighty God? Lets continue basking in the glorious truths of God's great goodness towards us. We've begun a new series of study on understanding grace (you can read the previous post here).

 What grace is

 First I believe we should define grace so we know for sure we are  establishing a proper foundation to grow on. Grace comes from the Greek word Charis. How do we define grace? 

 Grace is simply the unearned, undeserved, unmerited, favor and lovingkindness of God extended toward us. It is His divine influence upon our heart and corresponding reflection in our life. Here is a link to confirm what I am saying. 

Understanding Grace: Completely Forgiven

With this clear definition at the heart of our study, let us explore more deeply these wonderful truths of grace revealed to us in the Word of God. One truth the Word of God reveals is that we are completely forgiven. When you receive the free gift that Christ purchased, know at that moment you receive complete and total forgiveness of all your sins. All of your sins, past and present and future.
14For in the Son all our sins are cancelled and we have the release of redemption through the ransom price He paid— His very blood. Colossians 1:14 Passion Translation

 This is the good news of God's amazing grace. We are forgiven completely. The Word is clear that all of our sins are forgiven us. Don't take my word alone, allow the Word to confirm the truth to you.
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. Colossians 2:13

12 I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake 1 John 2:12

13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. Colossians 3:13

 It is clear. There is no mistaking the Word of God. He has forgiven us. He forgave not some, but all. All means all. In the Greek the word all in Colossians 2:13 is translated 975 times as all in the entire New Testament. It is translated as every 168 times. All means all of our sins. That would include past sins (amen, no more shame for our past), present sins, and the ones we have yet to commit. 

 Years ago, before I saw this wonderful revelation of grace, I was always dejected when it came to the topic of God's forgiveness. I readily accepted the good news my past had been wiped away. The difficulty I was having was what about my tomorrow? What about this afternoon around noon when I gave into temptation? I may have even missed it a couple of hours ago. What now?

 Would my mess up and sin obstruct me from receiving my healing or some other answer to prayer? How about that same sin I kept struggling with? That one I kept repeating? Surely this would forfeit my faith and opportunity to receive my needs met. I had a sin consciousness issue. I knew I was righteous by faith but that was only attributed to my past. 

 Then I heard the good news. I realized from the Word that because of the finished work I was forgiven. Not just cleansed from my past. I was cleansed and free from the penalty and guilt and condemnation of my present sin and my future sin as well. I was righteous by the blood. I was forgiven! My relationship with God has become so much more intimate and fulfilling.

 I knew now God wasn't holding anything against me. I realized the cross was enough. Jesus paid it all. Not only was I forgiven but I was made new. I am alive in Him. Sin no longer controlled me or dominated me. I was free in Him. Knowing how much you are forgiven produces more genuine fruit than years of trying to perform or gain acceptance by self efforts. This is the good news of grace, you are forgiven!

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