Forgiveness

Forgiveness

Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

Psalm 32:1-2

The Bible contains over one hundred direct references to forgiveness. This emphasis points out that sin needs to be removed before relationships can be restored—both our relationship with God and our relationships with others. Teaching our children about God’s forgiveness is one of the most important gifts we will ever give them. Here’s an overview:

1. We humans have a driving need in our hearts for forgiveness.
2. According to Psalm 32, when we are in need of forgiveness, we waste and groan, carrying around a sense of heaviness in our spirit that saps our strength.
3. God does not play games with us. Rather, when we decide to come to him for forgiveness, he decisively discards our sin, because his Son’s blood has already paid our penalty on the cross.
4. Not only does God remove our sin, but he also says he removes it “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12, NIV)—that is, immeasurably and infinitely.
5. When we quit covering up our sin, our groaning and sighing are replaced with singing. Even if there’s not actual music, our hearts are glad and happiness returns.
6. God’s mercy is very wide. Psalm 103:13 teaches us that God pities us the way a father pities his children.
7. Instead of fearing God and avoiding him, once we’re forgiven we find him to be our hiding place. He becomes the one we run to for protection. The person who is forgiven is blessed!

Father,

Not what these hands have done can save this guilty soul;

Not what this toiling flesh has borne can make my spirit whole.

Thy work alone, O Christ, can ease this weight of sin;

Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God, can give me peace within.^a