HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 134
page A132
Forgiveness See also Mercy & Grace; Salvation
The Bible commands us to forgive others when they have wronged us and to seek forgiveness when we have wronged others. When we do this, we follow the example of God, who
extends to us the ultimate forgiveness—pardon for our sins. Forgiveness is the pathway
to freedom. When God forgives you, you are free from guilt and restored to fellowship with
him. When you forgive someone who has wronged you, you are free from bitterness and
resentment that can saturate your soul like toxic waste. And when you have been forgiven
by another, you are free from indebtedness to them. Receiving God’s forgiveness and
forgiving others are at the core of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
Confession should precede forgiveness. Confession takes the lid off, opens the
window, opens the door, revealing what is within—sin or faith. Confession can be
either acknowledgment of guilt or gladly acknowledging allegiance to Christ. When we
acknowledge the ugliness of sin, it is embarrassing and sometimes painful to take the
lid off. Ironically, many find it almost equally embarrassing to reveal their deep-seated
faith. Perhaps the embarrassment is in letting others see deep into our lives. Perhaps it
is a reticence to reveal something personal, whether good or bad. But confession is a
necessary part of knowing God, asking forgiveness, and being freed from sin. It is also
a necessary part of knowing others and having others know us.
What is involved in true confession?
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• 2 C H R O NI C L E S 7 :1 4 | “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble
themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from
heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
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• PSA L M 5 1 :3 -4 , 1 7 | I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you,
and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. . . . The sacrifice you
desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
• PSA L M 3 8 :1 8 | I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.
• 1 J O H N 1 :9 | But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
Feeling sorrow for your sin, showing humility before God, seeking God and his forgiveness, turning to God in prayer, turning from sin—these are ingredients of confession to
God.
Does confession involve more than sorrow for sin?
• MAT T H E W 1 0 :3 2 | “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also
acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”
• PSA L M 1 1 1 :1 | Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his
godly people.
Confession includes praise to God for his mercy as well as his desire and ability to forgive.
Confession also includes gladly acknowledging Jesus as Lord and publicly claiming allegiance to him.
Do we confess our sins to God or to others?
• E Z R A 1 0 :1 1 | “Confess your sin to the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do what he
demands.” (See note on page 425.)
• 1 C H R O NI C L E S 2 1 :8 | David said to God, “I have sinned greatly. . . . Please forgive my guilt
for doing this foolish thing.”
We confess sin to God first, for only God can forgive sin.
• J A ME S 5 :1 6 | Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be
healed.
It can be healing to confess sin to one another, especially if the others are committed to
praying for you, encouraging you, and supporting you as you seek restoration. It is also
important to confess sin to those who you have wronged.