I would like to start a discussion on Forgiveness.

I would like to start a discussion on Forgiveness. Feb 20, 2015 9:18:39 GMT -6

Quote

Post by Admin on Feb 20, 2015 9:18:39 GMT -6

In reading a paper by W.W. Fereday today I ran across this on forgiveness:

"I believe in the forgiveness of sins." Familiar words, often used by our fellow-men in the presence of God. Yet it is to be feared that many who thus speak would hesitate to assert that their own sins are forgiven, and that they stand perfectly clear before the throne of God for ever. Under such circumstances, one naturally inquires, "Whose sins do they believe in the forgiveness of?"

Certainly, there is not a soul who does not need forgiveness, though we do at times fall in with some of the ninety-and-nine just persons who judge that they have no need of repentance. But they are deceiving themselves. The wise man's words are all too true: "There is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not" (Eccles. 7:20). The summing up of the Apostle is even more conclusive: "There is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). Such comprehensive language leaves no door of escape for any; the whole human family is brought thereby under the judgement of God. Moreover, from such a condition none can extricate themselves; no amount of human effort, as amendment of life, almsgiving, etc., can possibly purge away a single sin.

In such circumstances one's heart turns in all its helplessness to the One against whom all our sins have been committed. In Him is mercy, compassion, and love. And there is more. In Him is the matchless wisdom that has found a way whereby He can fully and frankly forgive the sinner, and yet retain the righteous consistency of His throne. That way is Christ, "whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (or mercy seat) through faith in His blood" (Rom. 3:25). If this is the character of Him with whom we have to do, let us away with both the pride that refuses to acknowledge its guilt, and the despair that feels its sins are too grievous to be forgiven. For some are afflicted with the one disease, and some with the other. Nearly nineteen hundred years ago Paul made proclamation in the Pisidian Antioch — "Be it known unto you that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins" (Acts 13:38); and the proclamation has not yet been withdrawn by the God who authorised it. Such a welcome as the scapegrace of Luke 15 received on his return to his father is awaiting all who will return in true contrition unto our God. The kiss of forgiveness and the ring of endless love are favours He delights to bestow.

If we want to be like our Lord we must learn to forgive others and pray for them. Remember what the Lord said as sinners put him on the cross. "Farther, forgive them for they know not what they do."

Iron sharpens iron

I would like to start a discussion on Forgiveness.

Post by Admin on Feb 19, 2015 11:33:14 GMT -6

Post by Admin on Feb 20, 2015 9:18:39 GMT -6

Quick Reply