“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9
I recently had the privilege of leading a young man to Christ at our citywide “Night of Hope” event. His countenance went from sad, hopeless (and discouraged) to joyful, smiling, and thankful! The transformation happened before my very eyes. He absolutely understood (and believed) that God loved him. Also, he knew Jesus had died for all his sins. God is so good.
Unfortunately, I believe that Christians frequently don’t truly understand their forgiveness. To a large extent, this lack of understanding causes them to live like slaves to sin. In John 8:32 Jesus said we’re free, (“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”). That’s incredible news, Christian. Christ forgave ALL your sins. You are free, indeed.
However, do we live like that? Complete forgiveness is ours. Understanding that brings freedom and joy.
All Means All
I like to share a little phrase: “All means all, and that’s all all means!” We need to believe that. Otherwise, there can be a lack of joy, depression, or guilt. At the same time, we’re inclined to perform penance. Why?
Take a look at the following verses. He forgave how much?
- “For Christ died for sins once for ALL, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit…” — 1 Peter 3:18
- “The death he died, he died to sin once for ALL; but the life he lives, he lives to God.” — Romans 6:10
- “Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for ALL when he offered himself.” — Hebrews 7:27
- “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from ALL sin.” — 1 John 1:7
If you are a Christian, ALL your sins have been paid for and forgiven. Moreover, it’s true even if you don’t FEEL like it. If Christ didn’t pay for ALL of your sins, you’d never make it to heaven. Praise God, you are a saint, washed clean by the blood of Christ.
Instead of being depressed and feeling guilty about your sins, thank God for dying for you. He has forever freed you from the bondage of ALL your sins. Remember, “all means all…”
Forgiven,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor