Forgiveness is For You

Too many Christians today believe that their sins are so terrible that God could never give them forgiveness. But the Old Testament tells us in Nehemiah 9:17 that the Hebrews had refused to listen, had become stubborn and even appointed a leader to return to their slavery. But Nehemiah reminds them of all of God’s virtues starting with forgiveness. He never gave up on them. Psalm 130:4 tells us there is forgiveness with God.

At the Lord’s Supper in Matthew 26:28, Jesus says drink from the cup, all of you, for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. Jesus says His blood is of the covenant, or promise made by God with man, for the forgiveness of your and my sins.

Peter, in Acts 10:43, tells us that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 4:32 also tells us to be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Forgiveness is for you to give as well as receive.

Every time we think or say “what I have done is so terrible God can’t forgive that” we have just said everything Jesus did on the cross was useless. Remember that the Bible tells us from the beginning that forgiveness IS for you!

Gary Elrod