10/06/2018
The rift that was formed between God, and man when Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil has been closed for us. Jesus gave himself in sacrifice to make that happen. What an incredible gift of grace we have received, a gift of forgiveness, and yet we are like a children who have been given a gift but refuses to play with it because we can’t believe it is ours. It is time that we opened the present which has been handed to us, and thrill at its contents.
“And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.”
Colossians 1:21-23 ESV
Paul reassures us that this gift; this reestablishment of our full relationship with God, has occurred, and that all we need do to receive it is to believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to continue on in it. This is grace... this is a price paid, atonement made, suffering beyond all measure, the defeat of sin and death, and a relationship healed, but can we possibly accept it? Can this be true? Can it be possible that the Son of God Himself would do this? The peacefulness that comes from forgiveness... it is a salve, even for God.
“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
Colossians 1:19-20 ESV
All through the Bible we are shown the pale reflection on earth of the glorious truth that exists in heaven. The forgiveness of sin is the glorious truth of what we are shown when asked to forgive in our own lives. This has been a marvel to us always, and we ask ourselves who is this God that forgives when He has all right to punish...
“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”
Micah 7:18-19 ESV
Is it limited to compassion for the sinner?
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 ESV
Does God forgive out of pity for us? Well, maybe a little?
“And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.”
Matthew 18:27 ESV
But, there is only one real and timeless reason that God didn’t walk away from us when we became knowledgeable of sin... and that was love.
“"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
John 3:16-17 ESV
So why is it that we continue to stare at the gift that has been given us? Why is it that we have been given a brand new soccer ball, but are yet to joyfully kick it? Is it for fear of losing it? Is it because it might be taken from us? Is it that we are afraid that we can’t live up to our end of the bargain in the purchase agreement? Are we afraid that we are unworthy, and in danger of losing the gift? Do the words of Paul haunt us?
“if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven”
Well my friends, God did not sacrifice His Son to lose you, but rather to save you, and If he asks us to forgive over and over again, then what do you suppose His forgiveness is like?
“Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Matthew 18:22 ESV
And He has given us the Holy Spirit to reveal His truth to us and draw us to Him. We are taught by God.
“It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me—”
John 6:45 ESV
And as Jesus abides in us we won’t be lost from His grip...
“While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”
John 17:12 ESV
“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."”
John 10:28-30 ESV
So open the gift!!! Use it freely, and have confidence in the promise, and in God’s ability to see you through all hardship, and every stumbling fault. His love has consumed your iniquity, and His forgiveness knows no limit to its ability to draw you back to Him. You are a child of God, and the love He has for you transcends time because He knew you from the foundation of the earth, and that same love cannot be conquered by sin or death.
“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”
Romans 6:6-8 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who lived, died, was resurrected, and ascended into heaven to sit at your right hand. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness Father that came as a result of the cup which Jesus held in His hand and did not set down. It was by this obedience that my sins, and even death itself, were defeated. Merciful Father, for this sacrifice, and your resulting forgiveness, I will praise you always. Holy Father I can’t begin to understand the worth you see in me, and yet it is so great that you would not only make provision for my forgiveness, but do so at such a horrendous cost... the crucifixion and death of your Son. The mystery is profound Father, and yet I can partake of your grace without leaning on my own understanding. You lead me, and instruct me through your Holy Spirit, and teach me to trust in you, and have faith that makes way for every promise. Help me Lord to live my life in righteousness, and to experience it fully as I take hold of every promise, and leave no regrets behind. The power of your Word rests in you, and even as Jesus abides in you, so I abide in Him... let me know your power in this way, and do all of those things that I am directed to do by your will, and in answer to your calling. You are mighty, and the embodiment of love and truth; help me Holy Father to find my eyes focused on those things you find worthy, and keep my hands busy in your service. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who leads me ever into a deeper faith in you.
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,”
Acts 3:19-20 ESV
Rich Forbes