Our
theology regarding justification is often revealed by how we embrace God’s
forgiveness when we sin. On the one hand, we may say that we heartily affirm
the orthodox doctrine of justification by faith (i.e. that we are accepted as
perfectly righteous before God by our trust in Christ, without the aid of good
works), but on the other hand, when we fall into sin and subsequently call out
to God in repentance, we often feel as though God’s forgiveness cannot be fully
experienced until we have performed some act of penance or have done enough
“time” in some kind of spiritual detention. It is important to recognize that
God’s forgiveness initially granted to adopted spiritual newborns as well as to
failing spiritual teenagers is granted on the same exact basis - the finished
work of Christ on the cross! While there may be some human restitution to be
made there is not a single ounce of relational atonement or spiritual
reparation to be made to God. Christ has done it all. He paid for the sins he
knew you would commit after your conversion and they have been covered by the
sufferings of Christ. You cannot “earn” God’s forgiveness as a Christian any
more than a non-Christian can earn it. Forgiveness is a gift of divine grace!
It is embraced by penitent people solely on the basis of faith. So don’t doubt
it. Embrace it, praising God that Jesus paid it all.
For more devotionals sermons and resources go to http://www.focalpointministries.org/
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