To be forgiven means, first of all, understanding what sin is.
"...for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin." (Rom. 3:20)
The Law reveals that sin is not just when we do something wrong, but it is also when we secretly desire in our own hearts what God forbids. Sin is not just an action, it is a condition
(Cf. Matt. 5:27-28).
"And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment, because they do not believe in Me..." (Jn.16:8-9).
The greatest sin of all is the sin of unbelief.
Second, being forgiven means realizing the root of your sin.
"Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me." (Psalm 51:5)
"Man, who is born of a woman, is short-lived and full of turmoil." (Job 14:1)
"For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward." (Job 5:7)
We are all sinners by birth and by choice. The root of sin is our own sinful nature.
Third, being forgiven means knowing whom you’ve sinned against.
"Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned, and done what is evil in Thy sight, so that Thou art justified when Thou dost speak, and blameless when Thou dost judge." (Psalm 51:4)
Ultimately, all sin is against God.
Fourth, being forgiven means acknowledging what God says about your sin.
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear." (Isaiah 59:2)
"Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin." (John 8:34)
"The wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23)
God says that your sin separates you from Him, enslaves you, and makes you worthy of death.
Fifth, being forgiven means realizing that you cannot forgive yourself.
"Who can make the clean out of the unclean? No one!" (Job 14:4)
"No man can by any means redeem his brother, or give to God a ransom for him - for the redemption of his soul is costly, and he should cease trying forever." (Ps. 49:7-8)
No amount of tears, religious activity, or determination can cleanse a person from sin.
"Does the Lord take delight in thousands of rams, in ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my first-born for my rebellious acts, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" (Micah 6:7)
"He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3:5)
God is the only One who can wash you from your sin and He is ready to act in grace toward you because of Christ.
Sixth, being forgiven means believing what God has done to forgive you.
"Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." (Acts 10:43)
The name Jesus in Hebrew means "Jehovah saves." God sent His Son into the world that you might be saved from sin.
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7)
Forgiving your sin involved paying your debt, and because Jesus paid for your sin, you can experience His forgiveness.
Seventh, being forgiven means calling out to God, confessing your sin, and accepting His free gift by faith.
"He who conceals his transgression will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion." (Proverbs 28:13)
Are you willing to confess your sin to God?
"Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7)
Are you willing to seek God’s forgiveness?
"...and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith." (Acts. 15:9)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9)
Will you receive His free gift?
Forgiveness DOES NOT mean...
- You will never sin again.
- You will never suffer any consequences of the sins you have committed.
- You will never struggle with the same temptations again.
Forgiveness DOES MEAN...
- The burden and penalty of your sin has been taken by Christ, and you are now free to approach God as His child because of His love for you in Christ.
Now what?
- Call out to God for mercy.
- Confess your sin fully.
- Accept His free gift by faith.