Have you ever struggled with feeling like you’re forgiven? Some of us still carry the weight of our sins and this load will bring us down spiritually, emotionally, and physically. This heaviness will prevent us from experiencing the true joy of God and it will hinder our faith walk. When we have put our full trust in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to cover all of our sins, we can walk in freedom from sin and in expectation of doing great work for God.

What other religion offers this kind of complete forgiveness? Most of them require good works, acts of penance, and self-degradation as ways of receiving forgiveness. Yet, in the hearts of these men and women who don’t know Christ—there always remains the stain of their sins. As believers in Jesus Christ, our sins are completely washed away by the blood of our Savior.

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit who fills our hearts with the assurance of being completely forgiven. When God sees us, He sees the covering of Jesus’ sacrifice which gives us a place to commune with Him. There is incredible joy from knowing God and being released from the weight of sin.

Forgiveness from God is beyond mere feelings because we may not “feel” like we are forgiven. Accepting God’s forgiveness is an act of faith that is based on God’s word. In 1 John 1:9 we learn that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” He not only forgives, but cleans us thoroughly from the inside out. Because He lives, we are forgiven!

Prayer

Dear Lord, I ask not only for forgiveness of my sins, but for the assurance that I am forgiven. Help me to walk in righteousness for Your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,