As a Christian, my sins have been forgiven. That means that I have avoided the death that is payment for those sins. And I am talking about all of those sins, the big ones impacting those around me that everyone can see, as well as those that are more personal that I may not even be aware I have committed.
It is great that I have been forgiven of the sins I have committed. But what about those that I will commit, or those that I don’t even realize are those forgiven as well. The short answer is yes, but there is a bit more to it.
“4and forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.”
— Luke 11:4 (ESV)
You see, I still have to acknowledge my identity of sinner. I have to be fully aware that no matter how things are in this world, while I am here I am a sinner and will always be. With that in mind, I should be asking for forgiveness continually. Even sitting here at my desk daily I will sin and I have to acknowledge that sin and that I need forgiveness.
“43To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” – Acts 1:43 (ESV)
Forgiveness is offered by Christ through His payment for it in death on the cross when He did nothing to deserve it. Jesus accepted all sin on Himself and died so that we did not have to die in this world due to our sin. We only need to accept/receive the forgiveness offered. Yes, it is an action on our part.
First we ask for forgiveness daily in our prayer as Jesus pointed out in the Lord’s Prayer. Daily acknowledgment of our sin and our need of forgiveness. Once we have acknowledged our sin and asked for forgiveness, we take the next step and accept/receive the forgiveness that is given by God and thank Him for it. We do not just take the gift, we receive it with appreciation and thanksgiving as the gift is a big one.
Once we have accepted Christ as our savior we are adopted into the family of God and have secured our eternal life. But, for something so precious as this, our acknowledgment of it should be continuous. I have to remember that even as I have been forgiven, I have to still acknowledge just what I am being forgiven for and continually express my thanks as I accept/receive that forgiveness daily.
What does your receipt of forgiveness look like? Are you one who says, “I’m good” and has moved on to continue in intentional sin? What if you understood the value of forgiveness that is offered and continually acknowledged your sin and expressed thanks for as you accept/receive forgiveness daily?
