Did you know that without humility it is impossible to accept forgiveness from Yehovah and forgive others? It is all about searching the heart. What does the Scripture say?
Look at these three verses in the Old and New Testament which makes it clear that not one is good. Psalms 14 and verse 3 says “They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy, there is none that doeth good, no, not one”. Also in Psalms 53 and verse 3 it declares the state of our being “Every one of them is gone back, they are altogether become filthy, there is none that doeth good, no, not one”. Romans chapter 3 and verse 12 states “They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable, there is none that doeth good, no, not one”.
Everyone needs forgiveness from Yehovah as noted at length in Part 1 and 2. A promise is given in 2nd Chronicles chapter 7 and verse 14 which says “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”. We know that Yehovah is willing to forgive all who come to him in faith. In 1st John chapter 1 and verses 9 and 10 it confirms “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us”.
It is clear that Yehovah (God) is willing and faithful to forgive all who call upon his name with sincerity of heart. In Mark chapter 1 and verses 4 and 5 it declares that John the baptist preached and baptised people in the wilderness “John did baptise in the wilderness, and preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptised of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.”
Acts chapter 2 and verses 36 to 39 Peter outlined the truth of the matter “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in the heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call”. Peter in Acts chapter 5 and verse 32 says “And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him”.
Forgiveness is a gift from Yehovah to all who would believe by faith. Hebrews chapter 11 and verse 6 states “But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”.
Yehovah does not want any to die in their sins. 2nd Peter chapter 3 and verse 9 states “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”.
Paul announces the following in Colossians chapter 1 and verses 25 to 28 “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God, even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, that now is made manifest to his saints. To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom…”.
What an assurance one has in Psalm 32 and verses 1, 2 and 5 “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord, and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin”.
Yehovah has warned that as one receives his free gift of forgiveness, this must lead one to a change of heart for others. This is expressed clearly in Luke chapter 17 and verses 3 and 4 “Take heed to yourselves, if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him, and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent, thou shalt forgive him”.
Man fails to seek forgiveness from Yehovah because he does not sense his need for a Saviour. He believes he is good already and only sees goodness through an earthly lense. But this is dangerous and lacks wisdom. Psalms 14 and verse 1 declares such a person, “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good”. But in reality none is good and all have sinned. Romans chapter 3 and verse 23 confirms “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. Yehovah in Matthew chapter 6 and verse 33 is calling all creation to “Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all things will be added to you”.
All must first be set free from the bondage of sin which leads to eternal death. Repentance and forgiveness brings peace and blessings to the soul. Only as one accepts by faith what Yeshua has done on behalf of the whole world, can one truly appreciate his magnificent love (and forgiveness) for mankind. In John chapter 3 and verse 16 it explains “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.
There are 2 choices, continue in sin, which leads to condemnation and eternal separation from the Creator, Yehovah, or turn and repent, thus inheriting eternal life. In Joshua chapter 24 and verse 15 he concludes with “And if it seem evil to you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve”. Everyone has a choice to make, eternal life or death?
I hope you have learned more about the Scriptures. Next time I will look at Salvation.
If you would like to know more contact Sandra on 602 466 534.
