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Sin is defined as
lawlessness--breaking God's laws. It doesn't make any difference which ones
you break; sin is sin, and it is against God. The God who said, "Don't
commit murder" is the same One who said, "Don't commit
adultery." Whichever one you commit is still sin, punishable by death - separation
from God (see Romans 6:23).
You might be thinking your sin
is so great it can never be forgiven, or that you are not as bad as someone
else. Both assumptions are far from the truth, because, first, God has
declared that we are all sinners (see 1 John 1:10). And second, He hates sin,
but third, He loves the sinner. That means God loves you and is waiting to
forgive you, no matter what you have done or don’t think you have done. All that
is standing between you and forgiveness is your repentance. God doesn't
forgive for forgiveness’ sake. He forgives individuals who admit their guilt
and sincerely ask for forgiveness, leading to a status change: from God's
enemy to His child; from darkness into light; from Satan to God; from death
to life (see Romans 5:10; Acts 26:18; Romans 6:13).
So what is the sin that's
weighing down so heavily on you? The size of your sin is not the problem;
your denial and pride are preventing you from repenting. The Bible talks
about different individuals who found forgiveness because they repented.
Consider their sin, and understand that God is willing and able to forgive
you and never hold it against you. He will wipe your slate clean, as if you
had never sinned.
King David, the second king of
Israel, committed adultery with a married woman, Bathsheba, had her husband
murdered to cover it up, and then married her (see 2 Samuel 11:1-17, 27).
What a tragedy! But David repented (see 2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51) and was
forgiven.
When Jesus was crucified, He was
crucified between two criminals, one on each side of Him. One repented, and
said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom” (Luke 23:42 NLT),
and found forgiveness instantly. Jesus responded: “I assure you, today you
will be with me in paradise" (Luke23:43 NLT).
Your sin, dear reader, is
pardonable, if only you follow God's prescribed process! First, repent of
your sin, no matter how small or big. Second, turn your life over to Him. God
will forgive you and put His Holy Spirit into your heart to bear witness with
your spirit that you are a child of God. If you are unsure if God will
forgive you, I encourage you to give the process a try; you'll be amazed at
the difference. God is faithful; He does not go back on His Word. The Bible says:
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31 NLT).
There are thousands (including myself) who can attest to the validity of the
Bible and its promises, because they have experienced it: “Anyone who wants
to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely
my own” (John 7:17 NLT).
Dear reader, please don't
hesitate any longer; Jesus already paid for your sins! The apostle Paul wrote
to the Church in Ephesus, and says: “He [God] is so rich in kindness and
grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our
sins (Ephesians 1:7 NLT).
Call on Him today; you’ll be glad you did. The benefits will start right
away, and continue into eternity! Here is Jesus’ definition for eternal life:
“This is the way to have eternal life—to know you the only true God, and
Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth” (John 17:3 NLT). Think about it!
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