Understanding Grace

Understanding Grace

“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions and your sins, as a cloud.

Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22

                Continuing to understand God’s gift of grace what does

it mean to be forgiven of sins past, present and future? There are people who believe that God doesn’t even see the sins we commit as believers since He sees us as completely sanctified and holy in His Son.  Referring to Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:8-12 “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” So does this mean God will forgive our sins before we commit them? This is not a teaching in the Bible but what it means is that God forgives us and remembers our sins no more at the time He forgives. Forgiveness is for what we have done not for what we will do.

                When one first believes and confesses their sins, they become a child of God. Yes, people sin after becoming God’s child through faith, but what is different is that God sees you as his because of your confessing act to him. You need not go through full confession of sins and seeking God again, you are His by your initial act of humility and confession. God has received you as His own because of your confession of past sins, and God does not let you go even if you do something against his teachings. You are held accountable to him, but he listens and will forgive. God wants you to be happy in life. But you need also to know again, you belong to God and are His.

Discussion Questions: 

What do you believe about forgiveness? Do you need to do a full confession of all sins as you seek to live His way. Does being forgiven entitle you to a passes on future sins Why/ not?

PRAYER

Gracious God you forgive us and never let us go and so we are amazed by this. We think we need more punishment but through your love you keep us grounded and focused. Help us we pray to share our love and show us who we are as we relate to you. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reflection inspired by Michael L. Brown, The Grace Controversy, Florida: Charisma House Group, 2016. p.17-35