With the passing of Easter,
now is a great time to talk about God’s forgiveness.
It is first important to know the definition of forgiveness:
A term used to indicate pardon for a fault or offense;
an excuse from payment for a debt owed.
In the Bible, some synonyms for this are Nasa’, salach, or aphiemi.
1 John 1:19 and Mark 1:4 are both verses which state
that we are to confess our sins and ask for forgiveness.
But how do we know we will be forgiven?
Why should we be forgiven?
This is where the Crucifixion and Resurrection become important.
If you are unfamiliar with the story, check out Luke 23 & 24
Romans 5:8 explains it pretty clearly.
When Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit,
It cursed them and all their offspring.
God’s first attribute, as you may have read last week,
Is that he is Holy.
There is no place for sinfulness near God’s holiness.
So how are we ever supposed to gain eternal life?
I like to think about a song I know when addressing this:
“You didn’t was Heaven without us,
So Jesus you brought Heaven
My sin was great, your love was greater.
What could separate us now?”
-What A Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship
While I realise that this is now combining God’s forgiveness and love,
I don’t think you can talk about one without the other.
John 3:16-17 is a good example of that.
Colossians 1:13-14 elaborates on the fact that through Christ,
We can be forgiven.
Matthew 26:28 is Jesus speaking to his disciples as they sat together
for his last meal with them on Earth.
Jesus’s blood was poured out to forgive us.
God didn’t want Heaven without us.
So he sent his only son down to save us.
Our SIN is great,
But His LOVE is still greater.
WE know we can be forgiven because Christ’s blood was shed to do so.
Now while saying all of this, it is very important to note the unforgivable sin
in Mark 3:29 and Luke 12:10
Psalms 32:5; 65:3; 78:38 are all statements of God forgiveness as well.
It is important to know God if we are going to serve him.
His first attribute is that he is Holy.
And he is such a forgiving God.