September 28, 2023
Topic: HIS FORGIVENESS
Text: Isaiah 53:1-12
Memory Verse: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” Eph 1:7.
One of the mysteries of God and the dispensation of His grace is forgiveness. Scripture is replete with the various consequences of sin, the ultimate one being death. When God commanded Adam not to eat of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden, He did not leave him in doubt as to what the outcome of disobedience would be, namely death (Gen2:15-17). Prophet Ezekiel, among others, spoke to the same subject when he declared that the soul that sins shall die (Ezek. 18:20a). Apostle Paul further stated, “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23a).
However, man became incapacitated in himself to measure up to the standards of his Maker and has continued to sin, thereby falling short of the glory of God (Rom 3:10, 23). This predicament made man naturally to be an object of His eternal wrath and condemnation, being alienated from the eternal inheritance promised by God (Lam 2:22; Eph 2:1-3).
However, thanks be to God for His loving kindness towards us, He chose to forgive us completely of all our sins by taking upon Himself, the very chastisement that would have come upon us and He freed us from all the pains and worries associated therewith. What a privilege to have all our sins and trespasses blotted out wholesomely! Only Him could have done that and today, we are all beneficiaries of His divine forgiveness through the death of His one and only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord (Lam 3:22-23; Isaiah 44:22; Acts 3:19; Rom 9:22-23; Eph 2:4-7, Col 2:13-15; 1Jn 1:8-9).
It is also upon this same premise of having enjoyed so much forgiveness ourselves, that He requires all of us as beneficiaries thereof, to extend the same grace to others who may have sinned against us in whatever way, no matter the manner or intensity of the matter. He has forgiven all of our sins, why should we not do likewise? Remember never to block the bridge through which you too must pass (Luk 6:36-37; Eph 4:32).
Prayer: Father, I thank you for making me a candidate and beneficiary of your grace and mercy. Help me to forgive everyone that sins against me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.