FORGIVENESS IS IN THE PACKAGE

Tuesday, December 31st 2024
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins (Acts 5:30-31).

What we just read brings to mind the words of the Lord Jesus when He appeared to Saul of Tarsus. He told him He was sending him to the Gentiles, “To open their eyes…that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).

Notice the emphasis in the latter part on receiving forgiveness of sins, not asking for it. You’re to “take” forgiveness of sins. Read that latter part again and see the connection between receiving forgiveness of sins and our inheritance; they’re both under the same Greek word “Lambano.”

The same way you receive an inheritance is how you receive forgiveness. Just as it’s pointless to ask for your inheritance again and again, for the Bible says in Him (Christ Jesus) we have obtained an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11), it’s superfluous to keep asking God for forgiveness. That’s because in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, forgiveness is in the package; you receive it and make it yours.

Read 1 John 1:9 and notice that it doesn’t say, “ask for forgiveness”; rather, it says to acknowledge your sins. Why? It’s because He’s already provided for your forgiveness. What He wants you to do is to obtain forgiveness; receive it.

It’s important that we teach people the accurate Word of God. If Satan can keep you asking for forgiveness again and again and you aren’t sure whether or not you’re being forgiven, he will make you ineffective in your Christian life and unable to do the things that God has called you to do. Your faith will be weak. The Father knows this, and that’s the reason He provided for your forgiveness.

If you did something wrong in your life and you are thinking about what to do, stop asking and trying to wait to know whether or not God has forgiven you; receive (“lambano”—Greek) forgiveness; take it! You say, “Father, I acknowledge that this thing I did is wrong, and I receive forgiveness in the Name of Jesus.” That puts the responsibility on you not on God. It’s no longer a question of whether or not God has forgiven you; rather, it’s about whether you have received what He already made available to you. Forgiveness is part of that Gospel package. Hallelujah!

This song selection will help you pray better, www.loveworldlyrics.com/moment-of-prayer-playlist/ .

PRAYER
Dear Father, I rejoice in the inheritance I have obtained in Christ, knowing that forgiveness is part of the Gospel package. I walk in the freedom and victory you’ve provided, empowered to live a life that glorifies you. I live an effective Christian life, knowing that I’ve been justified by faith. Now, I walk in righteousness and produce fruits of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
|| Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; ||

|| Colossians 1:14
In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: ||

|| Romans 3:24-25
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; ||

|| 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. ||

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Revelation 22 & Malachi 3-4

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
Revelation 22:11-21 & Malachi 3-4

Extract From Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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