GOD’s Infinite Forgiveness
Have you ever
done something against a friend, a neighbor, a stranger or even directly
against the GOD of creation? It may be something that the
current society frowns upon more than other offenses. Have you asked for
forgiveness from the person who was offended? And from GOD?
Then, that is all a person needs to do in order to receive forgiveness from the
GOD who provides infinite forgiveness and grace. However, since we are
still stuck in these imperfect human bodies, we sometimes forget about GOD’s
forgiveness. And we allow past sins to haunt us.
May the following
scripture encourage you to know that was you: “confess our sins, he [GOD] is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9. Did you see that keyword in that scripture?
“All.” Not some or a little. But all!
“For as high as
the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgression
from us.” – Psalm 103: 11-12. The imagery of “east from the west” is that of
infinity. Infinite forgiveness.
“And Peter
remembered the saying of Jesus, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny me
three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.” (See Matthew 26:69-75 for the
entire passage.) Amazingly, Jesus forgave Peter. He forgave him what some may
consider quite the heavy sin. [But all sin is equal in the eyes of GOD.
(See James 2:10).] Later, Jesus made certain that Peter knew he was forgiven.
John 21 records the account when Jesus restores Peter. Jesus asks Peter three
times – the number of times Peter denied Jesus – “Do you love me?” Peter
replied in the affirmative each time. Jesus not only forgives Peter, but he
restores him to being a shepherd of his people when Jesus instructed him, “Feed
my sheep.” Have you ever felt like GOD forgives you but are not worthy to be a part
of his work? The example of Jesus restoring Peter to his previous role as
follower and shepherd should give us great encouragement.
The sin of King
David is a similar story. David committed adultery and then murder. (See 2
Samuel 11-12) These are two offenses that current society frowns heavily upon.
But after the prophet Nathan confronted David he “… said to Nathan, ‘I have
sinned against the LORD.’ And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also
has put away your sin; you shall not die.” 2 Samuel 12:13. David went on to
write Psalm 51, “Have mercy on me, O GOD, according to your love; according to your
abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” And GOD did as David
repented. GOD restored his soul. He also did not take away
his service as King. There were consequences for David’s sin. The child born
from his adultery would not live. (2 Samuel 12:14). Also, David would not see
the completion of the temple. (1 Chronicles 22:8). In this example, GOD did
not take away his sovereign leadership nor his new wife. Nevertheless, he
experienced the discipline of GOD. The important lesson here is not to
consider GOD’s discipline as a message he is holding back
his forgiveness. Never! Remember, the aforementioned scripture, “If we confess
our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9.
The Apostle Paul
wrote to the church in Rome, “For with the heart one believes and is justified,
and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Did you see the keyword in that
scripture? Justified. Meaning, being freed from the guilt of sin and being made
right with GOD. Not only are we forgiven by GOD but
just as he has removed it “as far as the east is from the west,” we no longer
should feel the guilt of sin. This is an incredible promise, especially when
our fallible minds prompt otherwise. In his forgiveness, he sees us without
sin.
