Forgiveness

The question has come to me of late from a couple of sources... "How can God forgive me?" The sources were believers wondering how God could forgive (and forget). This may not be one of my better answers.

First, if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (Okay, that one wasn't too far off Biblically!)

Second, If God was like us (and He isn't), then even if He threw our sins into the depths of the seas, He would not have any problem retrieving them to use them against us! Same for the sins being separated East from West. (See how far we can slide in so short a time?!)

Third, If God is God (and He is) then He cannot forget. He chooses to remember our sins another way. (See if you like this mental picture). When Satan accuses the brethren, he calls God's attention to our failures and lists our sins. Yet when God looks at a believer's "bill (listing our sins and the payment due)" all He sees is the big, stamped in red, PAID IN FULL. The statement of debt, great or small, is overshadowed by the notice of payment. In other words, when Satan accuses us, God uses it to "remind" Himself of the glories of His Son and his perfect work on the cross. He is "reminded" that the work was totally sufficient (thus the PAID IN FULL). The accusation has just the opposite impact on God than Satan intends. Instead of the focus being on our sins, it is now on our Savior and His Son. Another round of rejoicing goes up in heaven!

We don't sin that grace may abound... but grace does abound!

With my love...