In His Mercy God Offers Forgiveness

Forgiveness! The 10th gift of Christmas. As with all the other gifts, God has displayed his forgiveness from the very beginning. In His faithfulness, God has redeemed his children through sacrifice and blood since the original sin of Adam and Eve. Genesis 3:21 tells us that “The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” Now we know that they were already covered because back in verse 7 scripture tells us that “they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” God didn’t clothe them so their nakedness would be covered. He clothed them with a skin. The skin of an animal. The skin of a sacrifice which poured out blood to cover their sin before the eyes of the Lord. 

“In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is NO forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:22

Without blood there would be no forgiveness. We would receive what we deserve for our sin-- eternal separation from a Holy and Just God. God cannot look upon sin. The blood covers that sin and makes a way for God to have relationship with us.

Throughout the old testament the prophets tell of Jesus’ coming as the atoning sacrifice.

“All the prophets (Old Testament messengers of God’s word) testify about him that everyone who believes in him (Jesus) receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:43

Forgiveness comes through the blood of Christ. Jesus birth brings joy to us because it was the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s plan for our redemption through his death on the cross. We must accept Christ as the Son of God and in accepting him, we must accept the gift of forgiveness. It was offered to us before we were born. 

“In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with all the riches of God’s grace.” Eph. 1:7

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Col 1:13-14

“If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Forgiveness is a gift we must choose to accept. Too many people spend their lives allowing Satan to condemn them for past sins. But Jesus’ blood was shed before you ever sinned. His love covered you before you even needed it! 

“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us ALL our sins.” Col. 2:13

 But like all the gifts God gives us, forgiveness is a gift to be shared. And it’s one that he is very serious about us receiving and then in turn offering to others. 

“For if you forgive men their sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” 

Matt. 6:14-15 

Jesus taught us to pray saying, “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Matt. 6:12

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Eph. 4:32

Now, what about you? Are you withholding forgiveness from someone? Are you waiting on them to apologize or for their behavior to improve before you offer your forgiveness? Remember you were forgiven before you asked and while you were yet a sinner. And that is exactly how God wants you to offer this gift to others...when they don’t want or deserve it! 

Do you need to ask forgiveness from God or someone else? Don’t delay because in doing so, you are harming your own relationship with God. Accept His gift today and share it gladly with everyone, in every situation. It’s not easy, but with God all things are possible!

(First Published on December 22, 2013)