Dear ,

The concept of forgiveness is central to Christianity. The Bible teaches that humans are sinful and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). However, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers can receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).

While confession of sins is important for maintaining a healthy relationship with God, it is also important to understand that we have already been forgiven through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Colossians 1:13-14 says that God has "rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Colossians 2:13-14 similarly states that God has "forgiven us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross."

Ephesians 1:7 also emphasizes that Christians have been "redeemed through his [Christ's] blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."

Therefore, continuously asking for forgiveness can actually lead to spiritual hindrances. It can create an unhealthy dynamic where forgiveness is based on our works, rather than on God's grace. It can also create a sense of fear and uncertainty, as we may never know if we have done enough to appease God's anger or if we have left something out in our confession.

This fear can cause us to approach God with cowardice and uncertainty, instead of the boldness that is encouraged in Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Furthermore, not accepting your forgiveness can lead to sporadic forgiveness towards others. If we are unsure if God has forgiven us or if we think He has forgiven us last time but not this time, we may be tempted to be sporadic and stingy with our forgiveness towards others. This creates an unhealthy cycle that impacts our relationship with God and others.

In contrast, accepting and resting in God's forgiveness can lead to a healthy and vibrant relationship with God. It can also lead to a greater sense of confidence in our relationship with others, as we can be consistent in extending forgiveness to others based on what Christ has done for us.

I received some comments and questions after church, and want to address them:

Q: Is it wrong for me to ask God to forgive my sins?

A: No, it's not wrong. At the same time, continually asking God for forgiveness is unnecessary since you're already forgiven. Moreover, it can lead to you working for forgiveness, being fearful of your standing with God, and being sporadic and stingy when forgiving others.

Q: Do I need to ask others for forgiveness since God has already forgiven me?

A: Yes, seeking forgiveness from others is important, even if God has forgiven you. Acknowledging your wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness from those you have hurt shows genuine contrition and care. Ask others for forgiveness, confess your wrongdoing to God, then receive his forgiveness.

Q. First John 1:9 and James 5:16 tell me to confess my sins. Is that the same as asking for forgiveness?

A: No, confessing your sins is not the same as asking for forgiveness. Confession means admitting and acknowledging your wrongdoing fully. Confession should lead to grateful acceptance of God's forgiveness. Or s one person texted me after service, "My prayers of Thanksgiving are better." Indeed, they are!

Q: Since God has already forgiven me, does that mean I can do whatever I want?

A: No! God's forgiveness does not give you a free pass to sin. As a follower of Christ, you are called to live a life of righteousness and holiness. Taking advantage of God's grace by deliberately sinning is not acceptable. Here's how Paul addressed this in Romans 6:1-5 (Phillips):

Now what is our response to be? Shall we sin to our heart’s content and see how far we can exploit the grace of God? What a ghastly thought! We, who have died to sin—how could we live in sin a moment longer? Have you forgotten that all of us who were baptized into Jesus Christ were, by that very action, sharing in his death? We were dead and buried with him in baptism, so that just as he was raised from the dead by that splendid Revelation of the Father’s power so we too might rise to life on a new plane altogether. If we have, as it were, shared his death, let us rise and live our new lives with him! 

See you tomorrow morning!

Kevin

Watch: Already Forgiven