Deep down, all of us know that we are sinners. Some try to deny the fact of their own sin, hide it, or pretend to be good. But the Bible tells us, that there is none righteous, no, not one. Sin is the breaking of God’s laws, and it leaves a stain upon us which we call guilt. The question is not whether we are sinners, but can God forgive me and how can I be forgiven?
We all break God’s laws
Why do we need God’s forgiveness? Because we do bad things. Why is that a problem? Because our thoughts, words and actions all have consequences. They determine what kind of people we are. What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done? Have you lied or cheated in a relationship or even worse? God is never deceived. He sees us. He knows all our actions and motives. One day we will be held to account for everything we have done and what we are as a person.
Sin is the breaking of God’s moral laws, which are written on our hearts. It includes things we shouldn’t have done and things we should have done but haven’t. The greatest sin of all is ignoring and disobeying God. Some try to deny their sin, hide it or excuse it. Our good actions will never undo or cancel our bad actions. Deep down our consciences tell us we are all sinners before God and must and will be judged. Romans 3:10 “there is none righteous, no, not one”. The human world is in a bad way and that’s because of my sin and the sins of all other people who are just like me.
Sin makes us guilty
Sin leaves a guilty stain on heart and mind. Our guilt is a deeply uncomfortable feeling that we may carry through life if unremoved. E.g. Brooding over a broken relationship with someone who has now died or secrets from our past. Sin is a very big issue. It corrupts and then it contaminates. The tragedy is continuing to carry this guilt of personal sin when we could be forgiven.
The Bible teaches us about the forgiveness God gives. Psalm 130:4: “there is forgiveness with God”. He ultimately is the One we have all sinned against. Yet He has provided a way of escape that deals with sin and its guilt. The penalty of sin and the burden of guilt can be removed by His Son, Jesus Christ. He willingly took the punishment for our sin and removed the guilt of His people on the cross.
Forgiveness begins with heart-felt prayer that asks God to heal our hearts. We find a quiet place and pray to Jesus Christ, as Lord and Saviour. He is the only perfect human being ever to have lived. He came from heaven to live and die as our substitute on the cross. He rose again because death could not hold Him. He took our rightful punishment on Himself. He now calls all people everywhere to turn to Him and turn from their sin.
If we do this, He promises free-forgiveness and eternal life.
Forgiveness transforms our livesWhen we are forgiven, we will know that our guilt and shame is gone. It is replaced by real inner peace. 1 John 1:9 gives this promise: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
Forgiveness is transformative. It is the gateway to eternal life. Once forgiven we will want to follow Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and leave our old life behind us.
Come and hear the Gospel, every Sunday at 6.30pm
Or join us on You Tube
Providence Baptist Chapel, Rothsay Rd, Bedford