We are given accounts throughout the scriptures where men acknowledge what God already knows — all men sin. In Solomon’s dedication of the Temple, he asks God in 2 Chronicles 6:36-39 that when they (the Israelites) sin against God that if they have a change of heart, repent, and acknowledge to God through prayer that they have sinned that God hear their prayer and pleas and forgive them. During this request, Solomon acknowledges that all men sin, “…for there is no one who does not sin…” In Romans 3:23, Paul states a similar fact that all men sin and fall short of the glory of God.
The New Testament reading in Acts for this day continues this thought and carries it a step further. In Acts 2:37, the people in Jerusalem who heard Peter’s message were “cut to the heart” and asked what they could possibly do to be saved from their sin – crucifying the Son of God. Peter tells them the pure fact — “Repent and be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” You see, the Jewish people were familiar with the teachings of Solomon and the acknowledgment of sins. What they did not understand was the new covenant brought to them by God’s Son, Jesus Christ, that their sins could be forgiven forever, through Him.
FOREVER — we still struggle with that concept today. I, as a man, still want to remember my sins even though God remembers them no more through the blood of Jesus. What I have to do is daily strive to look forward and not look back except as historical perspective. Easier said than done. This is a continual process. Satan wants me to look back and have doubt that my sins are actually forgiven. God wants me to look forward, knowing through faith that my sins are forgiven. Who am I going to believe – God!!!!!!!!!
Related posts:
Forgiveness is a great thing. I think you are right and we underestimate the power of God’s forgiveness. Sometimes in my sin, I am broken hearted and like Paul think, “wretched man that I am,” yet, we have a God that loves us in spite of our failures and challenges us to a new life that can be sin free in Jesus Christ.