Welcome to Hank’s Place —
Grace—the unmerited favor of God—is ours because of Jesus and Calvary. We ARE forgiven, we HAVE been redeemed, we HAVE BEEN PLACED into His kingdom. Seated with Him in the heavenlies. Forever. God graciously GIVES – we receive.
But what if we sin after becoming a Christian? Do we have to confess those sins in order to be forgiven? Sometimes people point to Ja 5:15 and say, “Yes.” “The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” Or they use 1 Jn 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Out of context a person might think that – especially if they forget 2 Cor 5:19 “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them.” Or that grace and works don’t mix: “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.” Ro 11:6.
James gives us only one condition for forgiveness: faith. Remember Christ bore all our sins on the cross.
How can James say the sinner will be forgiven? Because the sinner already has been forgiven. They just need to receive it.
My friend, if you are burdened with guilt, you need forgiveness – right now. So ask for it. God will give you the forgiveness you need because He already has.
It may sound confusing, but the issue really is not will God forgive you but will you receive His forgiveness? Will you cling to the sins of your past – or present – or will you take hold of His forgiveness today?
Feeling burdened, crushed by your sins? Ask God for forgiveness – see Jesus upon Calvary’s cross – with your sins – see forgiveness already granted – receive it – and COME ALIVE!
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