Lesson 16: Trusting God’s Forgiveness

“God, who raises the dead to life and creates new things...” Romans 4:17

It is no secret that we live in a fallen world of sin. From betrayal in relationships, to cheating, to lying, to stealing, sin is everywhere! This sin ruins our life and tears us down. However, though we live in a world of sin, God is powerful enough to forgive us! But why would He forgive us? And how does He do it? Here are the three pillars to understand about God’s forgiveness of your sins.

* God is the Omnipotent Creator.
The Bible teaches us in Jeremiah 10:12 that with His wisdom and power He created the earth and spread out the heavens. The prophets praised Him: God said, “I am Powerful” (Psalm 62:11) and “Lord God, You stretched out Your mighty arm and made the sky and the earth. You can do anything” (Jeremiah 32:17). The Lord says of Himself, “I created everything from the sky above to the earth below” (Isaiah 44:24). He created all things to be good, in His own estimation – perfect, like Himself, without sin.

* God cannot stand sin.
But people did sin, and since God “cannot stand sin or wrong” (Habakkuk 1:13a), the sin separated people from God. This is the natural order of Creation, just as darkness cannot exist in the presence of bright light. When you know you have done evil and are disconnected from your Creator, “Your sins are the roadblock between you and your God. That is why He does not answer your prayers or let you see His face” (Isaiah 59:2).


* He made a solution that is powerful enough to declare you innocent.
In the book of Exodus 34: 6-7, God declares that He is a fair judge. Just like He is merciful and patient with His people, He also has the power to punish those who sin. But then God did the unthinkable – He paid the penalty of death for our sin Himself when Jesus died on the cross. While He paid the price for everyone, each person still must choose whether they accept that payment for themselves. John 1:12 says that all who believe in Him become His children.

* His gift of His new life in us changes who we are.
God promises this miracle through Jesus Christ alone. Every believer in Jesus has this guaranteed solution to sin: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). The price is paid in full through Jesus’ death. In Him we are free to become the person He created us to be – His child, His priest and witness to others, His ambassador to others around who do not know Him. In close relationship with Him we walk beside Him as He points us to people we can touch for Him, just as He touched people in His earthly life and ministry.

Pray: Dear God, I have sinned against You. I believe that You alone have the power to forgive me and make my life right in Your ways. Please forgive me, in Jesus’s Name, amen.