What a message we’re privileged to proclaim as Christians. God has the power to take away sin (John 1:29). He can remove guilt and cleanse our consciences (Rom. 8:33-34; Heb. 9:14; 10:22). Jesus the “Great Physician” can provide true healing for those who hurt. Surely these are truths we must believe, humbly and lovingly apply, and tell to the whole world!
The Old Testament often beautifully depicts the vividness and power of forgiveness ultimately made possible in Jesus. Consider the greatness and beauty of forgiveness from these passages in the Old Testament.
Out of Sight. “But in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction for you have cast all my sins behind your back” (Isaiah 38:17). What peace there can be in knowing God has put our sins behind Him! He’s big enough to put ALL the sins of ALL of us behind Him when we turn to Him.
Out of Mind. “And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34; Heb. 8:6-13). As human beings, it seems we often have a tendency to remember things we shouldn’t and to forget things we ought not, but God through Jesus makes the deliberate choice to remember our sins no more. An infinite, holy God makes this decision.
Out of Reach. “He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19). When God puts something out of reach, no one really has the ability or right to dig or dredge it up.
Out of Existence. “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25). Man does NOT have the remedy in himself—but God does. He blots out: the Lord wipes clean (2 Kgs 21:13; Ps. 51:1). Sin leaves a mark which only the Lord can wipe away. And God not only “blots” sin; He completely removes it!
Jesus alone can take away sin, remove guilt and cleanse our consciences. Let’s allow Scripture to have the final word. “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2). This is a message too good not to share! – Mike Vestal
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