Forgiveness: Understood, Received, & Given, Pt. 2

Let us probe deeper into the meaning of forgiveness so we can understand the topic on more than a surface level. To forgive is costly.

Forgiveness: Understood, Received, & Given, Pt. 2

"'Come now, and let us reason together,'
Says the LORD,
'Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.'"

(Isaiah 1:18)

Let us probe deeper into the meaning of forgiveness so we can understand the topic on more than a surface level. To forgive is costly. The offended must make a serious and sincere effort to forgive the one who has wronged them. As one reads through both the Old and New Testaments of Scripture, we see throughout the Bible how God is indeed the great God Almighty who abundantly pardons and forgives those who have sinned against Him. Throughout the nation of Israel's history, we read how they repeatedly sinned against God and turned away from Him. But each time they returned in repentance, God forgave them. Yes, there were still consequences for their actions, but still God forgave them.

In Psalm 99:6 we read of three prominent leaders of God's people: Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. Verse 8 states:

"You answered them, O LORD our God;
You were to them God-Who-Forgives,
Though You took vengeance on their deeds."

God exercised judgment on even His choice servants, Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. They were wonderful servant leaders of God's people, but they too sinned, and God punished them for their sins, as He punishes us when we sin. Derek Kidner writes, "What is more, while these were at heart obedient men (7b), verse 8 reminds us that they had 'human frailties like our own' (to borrow from a similar context, James 5:17, neb). Moses and Aaron are chiefly in mind here, with their tragic lapse which could be forgiven but not undone (Numbers 20:12)." (Psalms 73–150: An Introduction and Commentary, Vol. 16, pp. 387–388)

We have fellowship with God because He desires us to have this fellowship and makes it possible by nasa, lifting away, putting away our sins so we can be in His presence. True, He also punishes sins, for He is holy and just. Psalm 130:3-4 states, "If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared."

Is there anything you need to confess to God right now and ask for His forgiveness? If you will confess and turn away from your sins to Jesus, He will abundantly pardon you. He is the God Who Forgives!