The greatest forgiveness - Jesus Christ
Chapter 3
by Gini Crawford, MSW
Jesus our forgiver
An unnatural darkness fell upon the earth for three straight hours as God's wrath fell on Jesus as He hung on the cross. The darkness was a symbol of the judgement that should have fallen on us, but instead it was falling on Jesus. In John 19:30, Jesus cried out "It is finished, ...as He gave up His Spirit." No person took Jesus' life. He chose death so we could have life. The work it took to save us had just been finished on the cross. God's wrath against our sin was totally satisfied. Forgiveness of our sins was accomplished. A person normally dies a slow death by crucifixion, but this wasn't a normal death. It was the death of the Creator - the God of the universe for us. (Luke 23:32-46; John 10:17-18).
How do you feel that Jesus was crucified for your forgiveness?
God's forgiveness can't be earned
Some people think you can earn God's forgiveness. When you feel this way, I believe you are probably thinking you can be right before God by your own good works, such as being kind and loving. God does like it when you do good deeds. However the real problem is, you can never live up to God's perfect holy standard on your own to gain His forgiveness. God’s forgiveness is a gift taken by faith in Jesus, Who earned it for you. (Romans 3:23, 6:23; Galatians 2:16).
Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many... / All the prophets testify about him (Jesus) that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. / Jesus speaking "... so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." Hebrews 9:27-28 ; Acts 10:43, 26:15, 18. NIV®
Are all our sins really forgiven? There have been a few sins in my life that I struggle with believing God would forgive them, because they seem so dreadful to me. I know this is because of a wrong mindset on my part, and it has nothing to do with God. Remember, we are forgiven by faith in Jesus. It is a position you live in forever because of Jesus even when you sin. God forgives us and declares us righteous only because of what Jesus Christ did, not because of what we have done (2 Corinthains 5:21).
A little boy had polio back when there was no vaccine. He would die from the virus if he didn't get the treatment he needed. The boy's grandparents loved their grandson, so they sold their beloved vacation cabin so their grandson could be treated. The boy's father didn't have the money for the treatment but didn't want his parents' help. He wasn't going to take the money but then the boy's father realized the money was given in love and grace, so he took the lifesaving gift. The boy lived and grew up to become a doctor. God's gift of forgiveness is given in love and grace (favor) through Jesus. Have you taken His gift of forgiveness through faith in Jesus?
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins... Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:1-9 NIV®
Life Application
Sacrifice of love
God gave the ultimate sacrifice to forgive us - His Son. Would you sacrifice a loved one so a person could be forgiven? I would not, but God did. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for us. This act of love positively shows us God is determined to forgive us. Read Romans 8:31-39. What verse from Romans 8:31-39 is the most meaningful to you? Share why it is.
To gain the greatest forgiveness of all we need to believe in the Jesus of the Old Testament and the New Testament – the Bible. If you get to know Jesus through the Bible, you will know the Jesus Who forgives your sins. Other books can explain the true Jesus rightly, but only if their understanding comes from the Bible. When you have faith or belief in Jesus, you are saying, "I trust in Him only to forgive my sins and give me eternal life." Read Matthew 1:18-23; John 3:16-18. Do you believe in Jesus to forgive your sins?
God's Word says our sins are completely removed from us when we believe in Jesus; they are remembered no more by Him. We could say, because of Jesus our sins are thrown into the depths of the sea never to be fished for again. Read Psalm 103:12; Micah 7:18-19; Hebrews 8:12. Did you know your sins are completely forgiven because of Jesus? Did you know God forgives and forgets our offenses?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I know I could never earn forgiveness from You because even though I try, I keep sinning. Thank You for earning the gift of Your forgiveness for me!