So let it be clearly known and understood by you, brethren, that through this Man forgiveness and removal of sins is now proclaimed to you. – Acts 13:38
One afternoon two people came to see me. I met them for the first time. I started telling them about the forgiveness, love, and grace of Christ before they could tell me their stories. I shared about my life before I knew Christ and how Jesus changed my life completely. They were in tears, touched by his love and grace. They started telling me in what bad state their lives were in, and how they struggled to forgive themselves. After I talked to them their eyes were shining with hope. I said to them, “If you keep on hearing the word, the Holy Spirit will change you.” I said, “Know that you are now 100% holy and forgiven.”
Forgiveness came through the cross of Jesus Christ. It is a gift freely given to the whole world (1 John 2:2) and it is every individual’s own choice whether he/she will receive this gift. If you have already received this wonderful gift of Jesus Christ – His forgiveness – then I want to remind you that you ARE forgiven. Many believers gladly accept the fact that they are forgiven that first day when they receive Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, until the moment they make a mistake or continue in the habits of their old nature. Forgiveness does not depend on our ability to live a good life. Forgiveness is a gift that came because of the precious blood of Christ.
“Are you saying that everyone should just continue in sin?” No, this is definitely not what I am implying. Let me refer to 2 Peter 1:5-9 here. In this portion of scripture, Peter lists a few Godly attributes and then he says that if anyone lacks these qualities then that person has simply forgotten that he/she has been cleansed from his/her sin. In other words, Peter is saying that when our lives do not reflect the character of Jesus, then the solution lies in hearing / being reminded of the fact that we have been cleansed from all sin. The scripture says in Hebrews 10 verse 14 (Amplified) that He has forever, completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy.
When God looks at you today, He does not see your sins, he sees you holy, spotless, and blameless. God does not to remember our sins. For the scripture says, “I will remember their sins and iniquities no more…” (Heb. 8:12). Christians are 100% forgiven, righteous and holy in the eyes of God their Father. You do not obtain forgiveness from God because you ask for forgiveness. He already forgave you. You are forgiven because you believe in Jesus Christ, you are born again, and you are a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). Believe in the sacrifice of Christ. If you struggle with feelings of guilt and condemnation confess it and ask forgiveness. Speak to God your Father because of your relationship with Him and/or speak to a Christian brother or sister that will not label you but will minister forgiveness to you – someone who lives in the love and grace of Christ. MOST IMPORTANTLY RECEIVE THE WORDS OF CHRIST THAT WILL ALWAYS COME TO YOU:
“You are forgiven my child.”