Wow, this morning I was led to Romans as I continue studying the word “forgiven” and as I compare my study from yesterday and my post title, I have to say I may have misled you.
“2For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:” — Romans 4:2-6 (ESV)
Yesterday I wrote about actions leading to forgiveness. Where I am not wrong in my writing, I may have not been clear with the whole of how it works. Before we can be forgiven of our sins, we have to be remorseful in our heart and have faith that God will indeed forgive us of our sins. Our remorse and faith is that which God is looking for in us and thanks to that, He will forgive our sins. It is our remorse and duty to God that drives our actions and those actions will be dedicated to the glory of God. It is our selfish actions for the glory of God that demonstrates to all of our dedication to God and the remorse for sin and faith we have in Him. Being forgiven is a result of our faith and not our works.
“7Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” — Romans 4:7-8 (ESV)
God forgives our sin thanks to our faith in Him and not as a result of our actions. Our actions are a demonstration of our faith and what others are able to see. We conduct actions and works as a result of our faith which leads to our righteousness.
So here it is to be a bit more clear in from yesterday and today as my study has driven to more discernment. Acceptance of our sinfulness, remorse for our sin (in our heart), faith in God to forgive our sin, and our actions to demonstrate our remorse and faith leads to our forgiveness. Our actions are not what gets us the forgiveness from God, it is our faith that God looks for and forgives as a result. Our actions show the world our glory to God and demonstrate our dedication to Him and His assigned work.
How is it you are trying to achieve forgiveness? Are you trying to do more work in hopes that God will notice and provide forgiveness? What if you were first to recognize, accept, and have faith in God and allow Him to forgive you for your heartfelt remorse for the sinner you are?
Trevor's Thoughts 