understanding GOD'S FORGIVENESS
Understanding the forgiveness of God is often dependent upon one’s image of God. This image is formed through life experiences and how God is/was portrayed or taught to us.
The Bible helps us to discover a more authentic picture of God’s nature. For instance, God is “…merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:8) And, in the person of Jesus, who came to be Immanuel (God with us) we see a living demonstration of God’s nature.
While we might ascribe the best of human attributes to God, we must remember that God is holy. Holy is defined as “exalted or worthy of complete devotion, as one perfect in goodness and righteousness.” (Miriam Webster online dictionary). Because God is both gracious and holy, God is approachable but we must be sincere when we approach God. The Bible says: “What sacrifice I can offer You is my broken spirit because a broken spirit, O God, a heart that honestly regrets the past, You won’t detest.” (Psalm 51:17 The Voice) This right spirit acknowledges that God views the sin as abhorrent, but not the sinner.
The Bible helps us to discover a more authentic picture of God’s nature. For instance, God is “…merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:8) And, in the person of Jesus, who came to be Immanuel (God with us) we see a living demonstration of God’s nature.
While we might ascribe the best of human attributes to God, we must remember that God is holy. Holy is defined as “exalted or worthy of complete devotion, as one perfect in goodness and righteousness.” (Miriam Webster online dictionary). Because God is both gracious and holy, God is approachable but we must be sincere when we approach God. The Bible says: “What sacrifice I can offer You is my broken spirit because a broken spirit, O God, a heart that honestly regrets the past, You won’t detest.” (Psalm 51:17 The Voice) This right spirit acknowledges that God views the sin as abhorrent, but not the sinner.
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Sin is anything we do or think that is contrary to the will of God, separating us from God's presence. To move from sin to forgiveness requires confession and repentance. Confession is admitting our sins before God, and repentance is showing regret or remorse for our sins and turning away from them. Because we are human, we sin. This cycle repeats throughout our lives.
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Three Kinds of Forgiveness
"A distinction must be made between three kinds forgiveness: forgiveness available, forgiveness applied, and forgiveness enjoyed. God makes forgiveness available to all humans, but it is not applied or enjoyed by those who haven't trusted Christ for that forgiveness. Forgiveness is applied to all true Christians the instant they receive grace through the merits of Christ. Forgiveness enjoyed comes only after we accept what we already have, and feel it in our experience.
Consider this analogy: A rich aunt sets aside $100 million for you (it's available, though not yours yet). Upon her death and the reading of the will, that money gets transferred to your account (now it's applied). Yet you will live like a pauper until you access the money (and enjoy it)…
As a Christian, available forgiveness is already applied forgiveness in your case. The only thing that remains is for you to enjoy that gift through staying in close relational connection with Jesus. Confession doesn't obtain for you anything new; it makes real in experience what's been yours since the day you came to Christ."
Taken from Grace: An Invitation to a Way of Life by John Ortberg, Laurie Pederson, & Judson Poling. Copyright © 2000 by the Willow Creek Association. Used by
permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com
"A distinction must be made between three kinds forgiveness: forgiveness available, forgiveness applied, and forgiveness enjoyed. God makes forgiveness available to all humans, but it is not applied or enjoyed by those who haven't trusted Christ for that forgiveness. Forgiveness is applied to all true Christians the instant they receive grace through the merits of Christ. Forgiveness enjoyed comes only after we accept what we already have, and feel it in our experience.
Consider this analogy: A rich aunt sets aside $100 million for you (it's available, though not yours yet). Upon her death and the reading of the will, that money gets transferred to your account (now it's applied). Yet you will live like a pauper until you access the money (and enjoy it)…
As a Christian, available forgiveness is already applied forgiveness in your case. The only thing that remains is for you to enjoy that gift through staying in close relational connection with Jesus. Confession doesn't obtain for you anything new; it makes real in experience what's been yours since the day you came to Christ."
Taken from Grace: An Invitation to a Way of Life by John Ortberg, Laurie Pederson, & Judson Poling. Copyright © 2000 by the Willow Creek Association. Used by
permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com
NOTICE: If you have been the victim of a traumatic event or abuse, please consult with a trained professional who can help you process your trauma and help you determine if you are ready to proceed with these forgiveness activities.
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What Is a Confession Prayer and How Do You Pray It?https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/what-is-a-confession-prayer.html
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Follow the link and read all of Psalm 32 from The Living Bible translation. Then, follow the links below to read each section and answer the questions on that section.
Read Psalm 32:1-2 and answer the question: Describe how forgiveness makes a person "blessed" (happy). Read Psalm 32:3-4 and answer the question: How does ignoring or hiding our sins affect us? Read Psalm 32:5 and answer the questions: What are the actions of the person and what are the actions of God? Why are these so important in the Christian faith? Read Psalm 32:6-7 and answer the questions: What words of instruction are given here? What are God’s promises for those who follow these instructions? Read Psalm 32:8-11 and answer the question: How does acknowledging our sin open up a channel where God can instruct us and assist us in avoiding sin? |
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