If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 1:3 that God has blessed us with all
spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Forgiveness is one of
these blessings that we've been given in Christ Jesus. God already made
forgiveness available to you; what He wants you to do is to obtain
forgiveness when you need it; just receive it. This is different from
asking God for forgiveness of sin. You don't need to keep asking for
forgiveness over and again for the same offence; receive His forgiveness
as an act of your faith.
The Greek word translated
"forgiveness" is "Aphiemi", which means to let go or have freedom. So,
the Father's focus is your freedom from sin. By that, I don't mean
freedom from the bondage of sin, but freedom from sinning. You were
already removed from under the bondage of sin and darkness into the
Kingdom of God's Son when you were born again. You've been declared not
guilty, acquitted, and free.
Acts 26:17-18 gives us further insight into God's idea about
forgiveness. There, the Lord gave Apostle Paul a message for the
Gentiles, to open their eyes, "...and to turn them from darkness to
light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by
faith that is in me". Notice the underlined word, "receive"; it derives
from the Greek word, "lambano", which means, "to take possession of"; to
take something and make it yours.
Just as you don't need to ask
for your inheritance in Christ, because it's already yours, forgiveness
has also been provided for you in the Gospel. The same way you receive
an inheritance is how you receive forgiveness, because the verse we read
says, "...that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance
among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."
If you
did something wrong, instead of wondering what to do and thinking
whether or not God has forgiven you, receive ("lambano") forgiveness.
Say, "Father I acknowledge that what I did is wrong, and I receive
forgiveness in the Name of Jesus".
PRAYER
Father, I thank you for the blood of Jesus that speaks my salvation and
total deliverance from sin. I rejoice because I know sin shall not have
dominion over me, because Christ Jesus died for me, and was raised back
to life for my justification, thereby absolving me of every guilt and
judgment of sin both now and forever, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye
sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus
Christ the righteous:
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 2:23-3:1-12, Leviticus 11-12
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 15:10-20, Genesis 48
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