Anddra
March 15th, 2010, 05:52 PM
Why do I need it?
Because "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). Moreover, we can do nothing ourselves to take away our sins and to make ourselves fit for the presence of God who, because of His holiness, cannot overlook our sins. One day He will call each sinner to account for every sin committed, for "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27). A serious position to be in!
So how can God forgive my sins?
The good news - God has a righteous basis to forgive the repentant sinner without giving up one little bit of His righteousness and holiness. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16), and "without shedding of blood is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22). Then it needed to be a perfect offering, so "with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (1 Peter 1:19). On the cross, God poured upon Jesus all His judgment against sin and sins and Jesus bore it all. From God's side, the work is complete.
So is everyone forgiven?
No. God requires "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 20:21). Everyone can be forgiven, for God's invitation is to whomsoever will.
How can I have my sins forgiven?
By conviction that I am a sinner, taking heed to God's word, like Simon Peter who said "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord." (Luke 5:8). Don't be like many today who are trusting that their good deeds will outweigh their bad ones and will provide entry to heaven. There is not one word in the Bible to support such an idea as this!
What about repentance?
I need to recognise my sinfulness and to cry to God for mercy. The jailor in Philippi cried out "what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30). Paul's answer to him was "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." There was not a shadow of doubt from the Apostle, neither was there a moment's hesitation!
What changes will there be?
Now God can come into your life through the Lord Jesus and give you peace in your soul and the enjoyment of the forgiveness of your sins. He will fill your heart with His love through the Holy Spirit and give you peace and joy through believing in the Lord Jesus - the jailor "rejoiced, believing in God with all his house." (Acts 16:34)
The forgiveness of your sins does not depend on anything that you can do to earn or merit the favour of God by your own efforts. But you can be assured of forgiveness by repenting of your sins, and believing God's word, showing it by putting your faith and trust in His beloved Son.
[Reproduced with permission]
Because "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). Moreover, we can do nothing ourselves to take away our sins and to make ourselves fit for the presence of God who, because of His holiness, cannot overlook our sins. One day He will call each sinner to account for every sin committed, for "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27). A serious position to be in!
So how can God forgive my sins?
The good news - God has a righteous basis to forgive the repentant sinner without giving up one little bit of His righteousness and holiness. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16), and "without shedding of blood is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22). Then it needed to be a perfect offering, so "with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (1 Peter 1:19). On the cross, God poured upon Jesus all His judgment against sin and sins and Jesus bore it all. From God's side, the work is complete.
So is everyone forgiven?
No. God requires "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 20:21). Everyone can be forgiven, for God's invitation is to whomsoever will.
How can I have my sins forgiven?
By conviction that I am a sinner, taking heed to God's word, like Simon Peter who said "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord." (Luke 5:8). Don't be like many today who are trusting that their good deeds will outweigh their bad ones and will provide entry to heaven. There is not one word in the Bible to support such an idea as this!
What about repentance?
I need to recognise my sinfulness and to cry to God for mercy. The jailor in Philippi cried out "what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30). Paul's answer to him was "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." There was not a shadow of doubt from the Apostle, neither was there a moment's hesitation!
What changes will there be?
Now God can come into your life through the Lord Jesus and give you peace in your soul and the enjoyment of the forgiveness of your sins. He will fill your heart with His love through the Holy Spirit and give you peace and joy through believing in the Lord Jesus - the jailor "rejoiced, believing in God with all his house." (Acts 16:34)
The forgiveness of your sins does not depend on anything that you can do to earn or merit the favour of God by your own efforts. But you can be assured of forgiveness by repenting of your sins, and believing God's word, showing it by putting your faith and trust in His beloved Son.
[Reproduced with permission]