We Are Forgiven!

I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. ---1 John 2:12

Realizing we can be forgiven for things done and said in the past is probably the most difficult mental exercise we can go through. We know our mental thoughts that led up to a rebellious or sinful act were real. We know that what we did hurt someone or set something into motion that altered an outcome for someone or something that was manipulated. We have bad habits, bad attitudes and wrong desires. We know we are sinful. And yet, Jesus still loves us. He died on the cross because He knew there was no other way to make mankind in right standing with God. His life wasn’t taken; He gave His life….for you!

Our study verse for today is Ephesians 1:7 which reads, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” This verse is so rich; we can’t begin to plumb the depths of it. But for today, we must focus on His forgiveness.

The original word forgiveness means to be liberated, to be found pleasurable, found worthy, pardoned, rescued and delivered; all resulting in cheerfulness and well being. Imagine feeling free of condemnation for things done in the past! Imagine knowing your past is all over, done with and final. Now turn your face forward to the future knowing you are all cleaned up of the muck and dirt of your past life. It is all left behind. That is exactly what Jesus did when He died on the cross for you. He has redeemed (the act of paying a ransom) you. He has made all things new for you. You have been made a new creation, according to 2 Corinthians 17. It says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” That word “new” means fresh, unused and novel.

So beginning today, let’s start acting like we have been liberated from our past, knowing we have been found pleasurable, worthy and have been pardoned from our lies, behaviors, thoughts and habits. Tomorrow, we will see what our next step is in our new-found freedom of sin.

Confession: I am forgiven! I am liberated from my past; the shackles have been cut off because I have found new life in Jesus, my Redeemer and Savior. I am a new creation because I believe that Jesus died for me and have been redeemed, purchased through the blood of Jesus on the Cross. Now, it is my responsibility to learn to walk in my new life as a child of God.