Forgiveness Without Exceptions

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9 (NKJV)

Have you ever struggled with past sins in your life or those past sins in other people’s lives? Ever battle to stop seeing yourself or them through the grid of poor choices made, sins committed, and wrong paths followed? Maybe the problem is our focus.

I received an email story this morning from a friend that helped to put things in the right perspective. It told of a young woman with a past of drugs, alcohol, and prostitution, who had received Christ and her life and lifestyle were drastically changed. Trouble came when she and the pastor’s son became engaged. Outraged over the thought. the congregation struggled to see her as different from her past. A meeting was called and she was “roasted” to say the least. Her fiancé then spoke the words that so many need to hear. He told them "My fiancé’s past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not? If it does not cover her sin it does not cover ours either."

Fortunately, the congregation took the words to heart as we all should. The story goes on to emphasize how we so often use past sin to beat up and condemn ourselves or other people and yet forgiveness is the heart of the Gospel. It is the reason Jesus died…so we could be forgiven. He did not give His life for all sins except ____________.

My thoughts this morning turn to a few truths I want to embrace. God’s forgiveness is complete and final. Cleansed means cleansed. No residue left like soap scum on a shower door. No streaks left like a little bug smeared across a windshield. God does not look at us and continually groan, “Oh, if only you hadn’t done such and such.” Unlike us, He never brings things out again that He has placed behind His back. But the enemy of our soul delights in convincing us that forgiveness is given grudgingly, sparingly, and partially. That it somehow cannot be as profound and permanent as I John 1:9 says. But my forgiveness is not earned, deserved, or dependent on my self-sufficiency. It was paid for in full by Christ!

Father, I dance in the truth and realization of Your forgiveness and will spend my days proclaiming that truth to myself, others, and Satan! Amen.