Understanding God's Forgiveness

One thing I know is how hard it is to accept forgiveness when you feel you are so unworthy. So how does one get pass this with God? As mere humans we do or say something that may be offensive and we feel sorry later and apologize; hoping the individual will forgive us we do things to earn their favor once again. God on the other hand is holy and there is no sin in Him. He offers us a gift in exchange for our sin. This gift is eternal life through belief in His one and only Son Jesus Christ.
So in essence we are sinners in need of salvation and all we must do to receive it is believe everything concerning God through Jesus Christ. We all need to understand that love and forgiveness from God is not based on us doing good things to make Him forgive or love us it is simply belief and faith in what you cannot see. You cannot see your sins being wiped away but a true belief in what Christ has done for you will cause you to feel and know they have been wiped away.

Unworthy, yes we all are unworthy yet in God's great compassion and love He counts those worthy of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. It is just that simple. There is no trick, no hidden secret. The gift of God comes without burden or demand. It instead is choice of peace and eternal salvation. The question posed to you today is which do you prefer peace and eternal salvation or a feeling of unworthiness?

Here are a couple steps backed by scripture that will help you to receive the forgiveness and abide in the love that God has for you:

Admit you are a sinner: Romans 3:23 (NIV) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Realize that without salvation you will die: Romans 6:23 (NIV) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Confess your sin: 1 John 1:9 (NIV) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Repent of your sins and turn from them: Luke 13:3 (NIV) “I tell you, unless you repent, you too, will all perish.” Acts 2:38 (NIV) “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.

Accept the gift of grace: Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sin: Romans 5:8 (NIV) “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this; While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” John 3:16 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perished but have eternal life.”

Confess with your mouth: Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) “If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 5:1 (NIV) “Now since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God.”

Prayer: Father I come before you now knowing that I am unworthy but through Jesus your Son I have found redemption, forgiveness and can abide in your love all my days. I am so grateful for your sacrifice and the peace it brings in my heart and mind. I trust you with my life. I surrender all I have to you knowing that you have amazing plans for me beyond my imagination. Help me to be a light to others and stand strong in the faith that comes from you in Jesus' precious name. Amen.