Rhapsody of Realities 31 December 2024: Forgiveness is in the Package
Scripture: Acts 5:30-31 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins
What we just read brings to mind the words of the Lord Jesus when He appeared to Saul of Tarsus. He told him He was sending him to the Gentiles, “To open their eyes…that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).
Notice the emphasis in the latter part on receiving forgiveness of sins, not asking for it. You’re to “take” forgiveness of sins. Read that latter part again and see the connection between receiving forgiveness of sins and our inheritance; they’re both under the same Greek word “Lambano.”
The same way you receive an inheritance is how you receive forgiveness. Just as it’s pointless to ask for your inheritance again and again, for the Bible says in Him (Christ Jesus) we have obtained an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11), it’s superfluous to keep asking God for forgiveness. That’s because in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, forgiveness is in the package; you receive it and make it yours.
Read 1 John 1:9 and notice that it doesn’t say, “ask for forgiveness”; rather, it says to acknowledge your sins. Why? It’s because He’s already provided for your forgiveness. What He wants you to do is to obtain forgiveness; receive it.
It’s important that we teach people the accurate Word of God. If Satan can keep you asking for forgiveness again and again and you aren’t sure whether or not you’re being forgiven, he will make you ineffective in your Christian life and unable to do the things that God has called you to do. Your faith will be weak. The Father knows this, and that’s the reason He provided for your forgiveness.
Read Yesterday’s Rhapsody of Realities Here
If you did something wrong in your life and you are thinking about what to do, stop asking and trying to wait to know whether or not God has forgiven you; receive (“lambano”—Greek) forgiveness; take it! You say, “Father, I acknowledge that this thing I did is wrong, and I receive forgiveness in the Name of Jesus.” That puts the responsibility on you not on God. It’s no longer a question of whether or not God has forgiven you; rather, it’s about whether you have received what He already made available to you. Forgiveness is part of that Gospel package. Hallelujah!
PRAYER: Dear Father, I rejoice in the inheritance I have obtained in Christ, knowing that forgiveness is part of the Gospel package. I walk in the freedom and victory you’ve provided, empowered to live a life that glorifies you. I live an effective Christian life, knowing that I’ve been justified by faith. Now, I walk in righteousness and produce fruits of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor,
Colossians 1:14
In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.
Romans 3:24-25
[All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,
25 Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment.
1 John 1:9
If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].
1 – YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 22 & Malachi 3-4
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 22:11-21 & Malachi 3-4
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Rhapsody of Realities 31 December 2024
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