You Are Forgiven

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)

Many people quake in fear after reading the list of sins in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. Others read the list and breathe a sigh of relief, because their sins are not on the list. Unfortunately, the apostle Paul continued his list of vices in Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3-5, and Colossians 3:5-9.

When these passages are seen together, it becomes very clear that every believer has some aspect of sin in his or her life. Clearly,, Paul took a very hard view of sin. In many of these passages, he refers to the sinners listed as those who will not enter the kingdom of God. This is the ultimate punishment, and this is what we each deserve.

However, the hope offered to the Corinthians is still our hope today. We are washed in Jesus' blood. It has removed the stain of our sin; we are sanctified because our union with Christ has drawn us into a restored, personal relationship with the Creator God.

There is joy in knowing that we have been forgiven. We must remember that our sin does not surprise God; on the contrary, "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Knowing who are what we are, our loving Father sent His Son to save us. Ask God to help you forgive yourself, just as He has already forgiven you in Christ.

Lord Jesus, through Your death and resurrection You have washed my soul and removed the stains of sin. Thank You! Amen

~Charles Stanley~