By: Juliet Constantine

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:25-26)
 

Many stories are written about persons who forgave others for the wrong they did, no matter how life altering. Many are at the stage where they can pray for (and may even visit) the offender. This is no easy task to let go of anger and hurt, and love in spite of. God did just that!

The love of God never ceases to amaze me! His love is so stubborn and relentless. His love knows no measure. His love found a way to reconcile mankind to Himself! He turned away His own wrath by sacrificing His own Son, Jesus!! Isn’t that amazing? And what’s even more amazing is that Jesus Himself loves us just as much, and is ready and willing to forgive us of our sins. Jesus did not delegate this responsibility to humans – the responsibility to forgive sins. He is our High Priest. He encouraged us not to sin but just in case we did, He was our advocate with Father God. We are only required to confess our faults to each other!

“What’s the difference” you may ask? Confessing sins to God versus confessing faults to each other is that God can absolve you of all guilt and shame – man can’t. You confess your faults and apologize for wrong and negative behavior to mankind. However, in your standing with God, you need to confess your sins so that they can be removed from you.

So, to whom are you confessing your sins – your earthly priest or pastor? How can a sinful man as yourself forgive your sins? If this is what you’ve been doing, you should check this out with God. All your sins are probably still lying there in the Books of Heaven without pardon being stamped across them. You must go through the right channel – through Jesus Christ - to have your sins absolved. He is the only propitiation that God set forth for us.

And listen, it’s as easy as ABC. Just close your eyes, kneel if you wish, and ask God to forgive you of all your sins and help you to be a better person. Then believe that He has forgiven you through Jesus Christ, and claim His promise which said, “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.” It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, His love will always find a way!

Thank You Father for loving us so much that You will go to any length to save us. Thank you. Please teach us to love, as You loved us and help us to be willing to forgive the mistakes and faults of others, realizing that we are all in need of Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)