Receiving God’s Forgiveness – Forgiveness Part 3

Scripture: 1 John 1 (Link)

8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. (1 John 1:8-10 NLT)

Yesterday’s GraceNotes helped remind us that we’ve all sinned. But don’t panic: sinners, and only sinners can receive forgiveness! Forgiveness is freely given, but it can only be received by acknowledging our need for it.

When Jesus died on the cross, he said, “It is finished!” The work of atoning for sin was complete: the price of redemption was paid, the balance of justice was satisfied. Nothing further needed to be done from God’s side of the equation to forgive sins—to forgive your sin and my sin. The work is completed, the sin is forgiven.

Jesus told this story: 10 “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. (Luke 18:10-14 NLT)

Receiving God’s forgiveness requires that we acknowledge our sin and receive forgiveness and pardon by simple faith in his amazing grace! Brennan Manning said, “If we gloss over our selfishness and rationalize the evil within us, we can only pretend we are sinners and therefore only pretend we have been forgiven.”

Our sin will not keep us from being forgiven! Pride, self-righteousness, an attitude of moral superiority, condemnation of others; these things can keep us from receiving forgiveness. In Christ is forgiveness for all, but only sinners need apply!

Prayer:

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Forgive my sins and I will be clean; wash me and I will be pure. Restore my joy and fill me with your Spirit. I put my trust in the righteousness of Jesus Christ alone. Amen!