Psalm 103:12: “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”
God never puts us on a disciplinarian time of probation. He never puts us in the penalty box. That happens, and rightfully so, in the work environment and in business, but in our relationship with Christ, that is not the course of action our Lord and Savior institutes with those that have accepted Him as their Savior, and are born again into the family of Christ. God’s pardon is everlasting when we come to Him and ask forgiveness of sin in our life.
David was robbed of joy and peace when he stated in Psalm 25:7: “Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!” Then again in Psalm 25:18 he repeats: “Consider my affliction and my trouble and forgive all my sins.” David had regrets from his younger days, confessed his sin, and asked God for forgiveness.
We all have felt shame and guilt over the sins we have committed in the past. There is nothing so horrendous that God cannot forgive. But once God forgives, He wholly and entirely forgives and says to us, as He said to the woman caught in adultery in John 8:11: “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” Forgiveness must lead to a changed heart and is tied to our obedience in following Christ.
Seven Bible verses regarding God’s forgiveness:
Hebrews 10:17: “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more. Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.”
Isaiah 1:18: “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall become wool.”
Isaiah 38:17: “Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.”
Isaiah 43:25: “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”
Jeremiah 31:34b: “For I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sins no more.”
Colossians 3:13 (NIV): “Bear with each other and forgive one another if anyone of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Things to remember about God’s forgiveness:
- Confession and repentance is first essential.
- Must lead to a change of heart.
- God won’t forgive those who won’t forgive others.
- Jesus forgave murderers.
- Jesus forgave Peter, for denying he knew Jesus.
- Jesus forgave even the people that crucified Him.
We cannot measure how far the east is from the west or how high the heavens are above the earth. But we can be thankful for God’s mighty and compassionate love and mercy He gives to us when we kneel before Him at the throne of grace.
Questions:
Why is it hard to forgive others at times?
Do you always forget the offense, when someone asks for your forgiveness?
Who is easier to forgive? Someone that said something against your child or spouse, or someone you loaned money to and they never paid you back?
My prayer: “Jesus you are my Lord and Savior. Work through my thoughts, words, and actions so I may bring glory to your name for Your presence in my life. I must obediently forgive others as You have so abundantly forgiven me time and time again, no matter what the cause or circumstance. I sometimes have problems with letting it go and need to improve in this area. Thank you for your steadfast love and compassion. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Listen to Casting Crowns song “East to West.”