Forgiven!

Forgiven, the word has an almost majestic sound to it. What does the word mean to you?

Collins Concise Dictionary gives us definitions for the verb forgive, -giving, -gave, -given as:

1. To cease to blame (someone or something).

2. To grant pardon for (a mistake etc.).

3. To free (someone) from penalty.

4. To free from the obligation of (a debt etc.).

So if I am forgiven it means that I have been released from an obligation or debt of some kind. This release is not an abstract thing; someone (the forgiver) has actually carried out the act of forgiving me. The word forgiven is in the past tense it indicates an action that has already taken place.

All of us have at some time caused injury or hurt to others. Whether we like it or not we have therefore incurred a debt or obligation towards those persons. It may be physical or financial or emotional injury - the onus is on us to seek forgiveness. Sometimes one of the hardest things to do is simply apologise for an action. A half hearted apology is not a real apology. It is up to the injured party to accept our apology and forgive us for our action. Any true reconciliation may require restitution by the offending party.

In the Epistle of James we learn the truth about ourselves.

James 3:2 (KJV)

"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." This verse tells us that in many things we all offend. Often we can offend someone without even knowing that we are offending the person. These offences require forgiveness.

Because we are sinners we all offend the true and living God. Romans 3:23 tells us that, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The penalty for sin is death. Romans 6:23 reveals that, "...the wages of sin is death..."

As you and I are unable to pay the debt of sin - then there is a penalty to pay! However all is not lost.

Ezekiel 33:10-11

"(10)..."If our transgressions and our sins lie upon us, and we pine away in them, how can we then live?" '
(11) Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord God, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die...?' Please note that the true and living God does not derive any pleasure when men, women and children die in their sins. Why should He? He has provided salvation for each of us; with that salvation we obtain the forgiveness of our sins.

Acts 13:38

"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man [Jesus Christ] is preached to you the forgiveness of sins"

Ephesians 1:7

"In Him [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace"

Colossians1:13-17

"(13) He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
(14) in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
(15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

(16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
(17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist."

How are your sins forgiven? Through the redemption obtained through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ!  And why is this possible? Because He paid the penalty for our sins!

Let's look again at the definitions above for the verb forgive and its derivatives.

1. To cease to blame (someone or something).

2. To grant pardon for (a mistake etc.).

3. To free (someone) from penalty.

4. To free from the obligation of (a debt etc.).

The immediate effect of Christ's offer of salvation is to free us from our obligation - the debt of our sins. With the obligation gone we are freed from the penalty - death. God can then grant us a pardon because the debt has been paid by Christ. All this happens because our blame was transferred to Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. Our Substitute paid the penalty!

Have a look again at the majesty and glory of the Son in Colossians 1:13-17 and marvel that this is the One who paid the price of my sins and your sins. Put your faith and trust in Him, receive Him as your Lord and Saviour and bask in the knowledge of your sins being forgiven. It is an eternal forgiveness!

It's a great thing to know that God has forgiven me. May it be so in your life!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point. You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse, that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]