Feb. 23 | The Promise of Forgiveness

Series | The Promises of God

Scripture | 1 John 2:1-2, “1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense –Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”

Lesson 23 | The Promise of Forgiveness     

Have you ever told a lie, taken something that didn’t belong to you, coveted what someone else had, lusted, placed things before God in your life, or taken His holy name in vain?  If you are honest (and not telling another life) I am sure like me you answered, “yes.”  Now, since by your own admission you have admitted you are a “lying, stealing, covetous, lusting, blaspheming idolater” what do you think Jesus, the Perfect and Just Judge, will do to you on judgment day in view of your sinful actions and wretched identify?

Revelation 21:8 gives the clearest answer for what will happen to sinners on judgment day, “…the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars –their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.”  Thus, Paul was writing the truth when he wrote, “all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory,” and “the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness,” Romans 3:23 & 1:18.  Therefore, all sinners are destined and condemned to the lake of fire forever because of their sins.

However, there is hope for all sinners today to be pardoned and forgiven of all their sins.  This hope is only found in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. The word, “atonement” means, “to make reconciliation between estranged parties, bringing them into agreement.  In other words, Jesus’ sacrifice was to satisfy the wrath of God on sinners and bring them into right relationship with Him. Therefore, all sinners are promised forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.   

Plus, all saved saints are also promised forgiveness of all present sins if they truly repent and turn from their wicked ways.  Therefore, there is no good excuse for anyone to remain in his or her sins and sinful nature.  God’s Word promises that everyone can be forgiven of all sins because of Jesus’ sacrifice!       

Reflection | Are you forgiven of all your sins? 

Action | (1) Examine your heart to see if you have any hidden sins. (2) If you have any unconfessed or hidden sin, confess them to God and ask Him to cleanse you fully with the blood of Jesus.  (3) Lastly, live by the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and daily temptation.   

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Leviticus 14:1-57, Mark 6:30-56, Psalm 40:1-10, & Proverbs 10:11-12. Click here to read online.