Welcome to Hank’s Place —
In the past two episodes I have been sharing with you that believers have been forgiven by God. At the Cross. But what about unbelievers? In the grace of God, Jesus bore the sins of the entire world to the Cross. All sin was judged at the Cross. Does that mean unbelievers have a ticket to heaven? Not at all.
God has dealt with all sins whether we believe it or not. But if a person doesn’t believe it then His forgiveness will be of no benefit. The grace of God has to be RECEIVED to be effective. Jesus died and rose to become the Savior of the entire world. But a person must BELIEVE and RECEIVE Him in order to be saved, right?
This is why we need to RECEIVE the gift of forgiveness although we are already forgiven. When we RECEIVE the grace of God it will change us. Remember the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32? The prodigal was forgiven long before he came to his senses in that far off land. His father it says, was watching for him daily, then ran to him when he saw him at a distance. A pretty clear indication of forgiveness on the father’s part.
As for the prodigal: first we see him living his dead life — then awakening to reality and determining he would return home and say to his father, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” He considered himself unworthy and unforgiven of his sins. But the father had the servants dress him in the best robe, give him a ring of authority, and sandals placed upon his feet. The father said, “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.”
WE once were dead in our sins, unworthy of the kingdom. But Jesus changed all that and forgiveness is ours. But let me ask you, have you RECEIVED His forgiveness? Are you still living under a dark cloud? Maybe you have been hoping that when you get to heaven you will hear those words, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Like the prodigal who did not believe he could be forgiven. I know pastors who are living in hope of this verse. How much better to RECEIVE His forgiveness — and expect to hear, “Welcome home son — welcome home daughter.”
The moment we put our trust in Christ and his finished work, his forgiveness, which was there all the time, becomes real to us. In him we have the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7. We cannot be in Christ and be unforgiven. Believe it today my friend.
Receive it today son, daughter, of the Living God, and COME ALIVE!
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