Welcome to Hank’s Place —
Last message I stated that believers’ sins were forgiven at the Cross. All our sins, for all time. This was God’s choice, His doing, for His glory, and it is done. And unlike under the Old Covenant, there are no conditions for us to fulfill.
Not sure? Consider what Jesus said in Luke 24:46-47; “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance AND forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
Before the cross, repentance FOR forgiveness was required. Repentance for forgiveness was what John the Baptist preached. Forgiveness conditional on our turning from sin. AFTER the Cross, all glory to Jesus, God has chosen to forgive. If you need further supporting verses, check out Jesus’ words at the Last Supper in Matthew 26:28, and Hebrews 9:26b which both speak of Jesus doing away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself. At Calvary forgiveness became a free gift, paid for by the blood of the Lamb.
There’s more in Acts chapter 5. There the high priest calls the Sanhedrin together. In jealousy they toss the apostles into prison. An angel sets them free and off they go, preaching Jesus. They are brought back before the Sanhedrin who forbid the apostles from teaching in Jesus’ name. Peter states they must obey God rather than man, then says in verse 31: “God exalted him [Jesus] to His own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance AND forgiveness of sins to Israel.”
Dr Paul Ellis in his book “The Gospel in Ten Words,” available on Amazon, notes: (quote) “When they heard these words, the old men of the Sanhedrin were furious. Unconditional forgiveness and risen Saviors had no place in their theology. Their religion was based on doing things FOR God, not on God DOING THINGS FOR them. To the religious mind, grace sounds like blasphemy. The old men had the apostles flogged and ordered them not to preach Jesus.
Of course the apostles ignored this and years later, when Paul joined their ranks, he too began to preach the new message of unconditional forgiveness: “I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” Acts 13:38. No hooks, no “turn from sin you brood of vipers.” Just good news, delivered pure and straight.” (unquote)
So, how’s your religion dear friend? Is it based on doing things for God — or humbly receiving from God what He died to give you?
Try receiving from God — you’ll COME ALIVE!
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