THE MAGNIFICENCE OF FORGIVENESS

Memory Text: Repent and believe the gospel Mk.1:15

     The spiritual life of a Christian is simply our warfare with sin that can very easily set us back.  The power and breadth of sin ruling this world is so pervasive, so domineering that without the victory of Jesus Christ over sin’s dominion we would have no hope to see our dreams fulfilled for life and happiness. Sin is fused in every man as Paul said, “I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members” (Rom.7:23).  And when men succumb to sin’s temptation there is no benefit, either immediate or lasting.  So when we see that first wrong step, whether in the individual or the corporate body, always remind ourselves that one wrong step usually leads to another.  This is how we discern the end from the beginning and the reasons “the earth mourneth and fadeth away.” Isa.24:4.

     Without the LORD guiding and encouraging us through His Word, His Spirit and holy angels, the weight of discouragement would be unbearable, and most would forfeit their faith.  Even with heaven’s power stretched to its limits, multitudes get discouraged and leave the church and rejoin the world.  This happened to me when I fell into sin after joining the Christian faith.  But when I was tempted to give up my faith, I reminded myself: I didn’t like the world even when I lived under its authority.  I had nowhere to turn except back to Jesus.  

     The LORD’S first and great promise tells us the resource to be used for our rescue: “Behold, I have foretold you all things.” Mk.13:23.  So all that pertains to our experience, its ups and downs, its strengths and failings is addressed in the Bible, with nothing omitted.  Therefore, we read and study the Scriptures knowing that with GOD’S Word in our heart, there is a corresponding molding of our character that: 1. Brings the supreme happiness we can receive in this present world because of “the hope set before us” (Heb.6:18). 2. Prepares us for the closing scenes ushering the 2^nd Advent of Jesus, in which this experience of “the saints” will more parallel that of Christ’s own experience than any generation of history, and thus fulfill the prophecy: “These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” Rev.14:4.  Peter also encourages our prayerful study: “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” II Pet.1:4.  Through our freewill to exercise a spirit of submission to Christ’s will, along with our entreaties to GOD Who knows our helpless estate, He has promised to answer the cries of our heart in the most redemptive way as He said: “He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.” (Ps.145:19).  We will not be turned away, as Jesus said, “him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” Jn.6:27.

     There is an arsenal of defense needed in our warfare with sin.  Its primary weapon is in the simple knowledge that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph.6:12.  So, in all the evil that takes place, Satan is the source, the instigator, using his pawns among men to deceive, betray, steal and murder.  With this fact we are called to love the sinner but detest the sin, for sin is the root of all injustice, indifference and death.  Men are just the blind tools used to carry it out.  In our great need for true education in this warfare the Apostle James points us in the right direction, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Ja.1:5.  Solomon concurred, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Prov.4:7.  It is GOD’S will for us to understand the boundaries between good and evil so that we might overcome even as Jesus overcame (Rev.3:21).  The LORD never asks of us anything beyond His provision.  And the LORD’S standard against ignorance is Scripture.  The admonition is perfect: “Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail.” Isa.34:16.

     In closing, the number of times I have failed in my love and devotion to Jesus Christ makes me shudder.  And without His promise to forgive through His infinite love and desire for me to be with Him forever, I would’ve left the Christian faith a long time ago.  But His Word of patience and longsuffering lifts me from that discouragement: “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matt.18:21,22. 

     Because I see every day the men and actions of the church that bring shame to Jesus Christ I have to remind myself of the words of Jesus: “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” Matt.7:3.  A constant arrogance seen among believers and unbelievers alike is the declaration: ‘My sins are acceptable—Yours are not!’  And Satan mocks our LORD over this all too common hypocrisy (Job 21:3; Mk.10:34). And as I consider my failings I see how Jesus is mocked as it is written of those who persist in sin: “seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Heb.6:6.  Even my guardian angel (Matt.18:10) receives ridicule when I stumble and fall.  And to think his heart never grows cold even when mine does.  But you know, the LORD doesn’t leave us without a fight with the Adversary.  He woos through His “still, small voice,” whose tone of drawing love tugs the heartstrings to consider the contrast between our way and His, convincing our conscience that His way, joy, and peace far surpasses anything this world provides.  So, when we feel we have gone too far and crossed the boundary of GOD’S forgiveness, the loved and loving John assures us: “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.” I Jn.3:20.  “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Isa.43:1; Ps.103:12; Gal.6:9; II Cor.4:17.