Our Sin & God’s Forgiveness

November 18, 2007 by Shane Kastler.

Are you perfect?  I can answer that question for you, even if I don’t know you.  The Bible teaches that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)  If you believe yourself to be above sin’s reach, then you’re living in a dream world according to the Apostle John. “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)  The sad reality is that all people are affected by the dreaded sin curse that afflicts mankind.  The question is not whether or not you are a sinner.  The question is:  what will you do about your sin?

            Ultimately, there are only two options.  You will either continue on in your sin, and eternally perish.  Or you will turn from your sin in repentance, place your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and be saved.  This is the glorious promise of 1 John 1:9:  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

            If we will confess.  If we will turn.  If we will repent.  God promises not only to forgive us…but to cleanse us.  In other words He promises to remove the guilt…and also scrub the filthy heart clean.  In fact, He promises to indwell us by His Holy Spirit.  The sin that once enticed us now becomes disgusting to us.  And though the spiritual battle rages on, and we continue to stumble and sin…..our lives and our nature have been forever changed.

            Have you experienced that change yet?  Jesus called it being “born again by the Spirit” (John 3:3) Perhaps you think that you’ll make it to Heaven by your good deeds.   But you’re wrong.  Dead wrong.  Eternally wrong.  All sinners must throw themselves upon the mercy of the Lord, give their life to Jesus Christ, and accept God’s forgiveness.  On the cross, Jesus paid the eternal price for sinners who would trust in Him, and it was there that the debt for sin was paid.

            Trust in Christ today.  Follow Christ today.  Live for Christ today.  Accept the eternal forgiveness that only He can give.  Be spiritually cleansed.  Be graciously forgiven.  And be eternally saved. 

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