Acts 13:38 states, “Therefore know this, men and brothers, that through him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”
What is forgiveness and why do I need it?
The word “forgive” means to wipe the slate clean, to absolve, to cancel a debt. When we wrong someone, we seek their forgiveness in order to restore the relationship. Forgiveness is not given because the person deserves to be forgiven. No one deserves to be forgiven. Forgiveness is an act of love, mercy, and grace. Forgiveness is a decision not to hold a grudge against another person, regardless of what they have done to you.
The Bible tells us that we all need God’s forgiveness. We have all committed sin. Ecclesiastes 7:20 states, “There is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” I John 1:8 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” All sin is ultimately an act of rebellion against God ( Psalm 51:4 ). As a result, we desperately need God’s forgiveness. If our sins are not forgiven, we will spend eternity suffering the consequences of our sins ( Matthew 25:46 ; John 3:36 ).
Forgiveness – How do I get it?
Fortunately, God is tender and compassionate. He is eager to forgive our sins! 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that God is, “…longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” God desires to forgive us, so He has made provision for our forgiveness.
The only just punishment for our sins is death. The first part of Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death…” Eternal death is what we have earned for our sins. God, in His perfect plan, became a man in the person of Jesus Christ ( John 1:1 , 14 ). Jesus died on the cross, taking the punishment we deserve – death. 2 Corinthians 5:21 teaches us, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Jesus died on the cross, bearing the punishment we deserve! Being God, Jesus’ death provided forgiveness for the sins of the entire world. 1 John 2:2proclaims, “He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” Jesus was resurrected, proclaiming His victory over sin and death ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 ). Praise God that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the second part of Romans 6:23 is true, “…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Do you want your sins forgiven? Do you have a nagging sense of guilt that just won’t seem to go away? Forgiveness of your sins is available if you put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior. Ephesians 1:7says, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” Jesus paid the debt for us so that we could be forgiven. All you have to do is ask God to forgive you through Jesus. If you believe that Jesus died to pay for your forgiveness then He will forgive you! John 3:16-17 contains this wonderful message, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten 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 that the world might be saved through him.”
Forgiveness — Is it really that easy?
Yes, it is that easy! You cannot earn God’s forgiveness. You cannot pay God for His forgiveness. You can only receive it by faith, through God’s grace and mercy. If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and receive God’s forgiveness, here is a prayer you can pray. Praying this prayer, or any other, will not save you. It is only trusting in Jesus Christ that can deliver you from sin. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him, and thank Him for providing His forgiveness. “God, I know I have sinned against You and deserve punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment I deserved, so that through faith in Him I can be forgiven. I put my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your amazing grace and forgiveness! Amen!”
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