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Forgiveness

By Pastor Enoch Adeboye
11 September 2016   |   1:49 am
A truly Heaven-bound child of God will not only avoid sin like a plague but bend over backwards to avoid even the slightest appearance of evil. The problem is we sin unintentionally, unwillingly, ignorantly, vicariously, so much so that the scripture....
Pastor Enoch Adeboye

Pastor Enoch Adeboye

Memory Verse: “If my people… called by my name … humble themselves, pray… seek my face and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land,” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Bible Passage: 1 John 1:5-9
 
Introduction:
A truly Heaven-bound child of God will not only avoid sin like a plague but bend over backwards to avoid even the slightest appearance of evil. The problem is we sin unintentionally, unwillingly, ignorantly, vicariously, so much so that the scripture says even our best efforts are but filthy rags when measured against the holiness of heaven.

Our righteous acts are like polluted garments, Isaiah 64:6. We really need help beyond raw determination and self-effort. Self-righteousness just won’t do. Paul one of the greatest Christians of the early church lamented that he desires to do good, but lacks the ability, Romans 7:19-24. He had to seek deliverance from the bondage of sin. You are not immune either.

We Need Help
To neutralize self-righteousness man needs mercy to replace judgement.  We have to admit our helplessness and reach out to God through the blood shed at Calvary for the remission of sin and turn from our wicked ways, 2 Chron.7:14.  The lost relationship with God has to be restored and maintained, Isa.59:1-2, Rom.3:23.  Pardon for sin guarantees healing for the soul and the land. It also assures divine attention to prayers, 2 Chron.7:15.

How
We must be forthright and confess and plead the blood shed for forgiveness. We must confess frequently, Isa.1:18. The blood of Jesus Christ alone can cleanse from all sin, 1 Jn.1:8-9. God has promised to forgive us. He is a faithful. He will do it, 2 Cor. 1:20, 1Thess.5:24.

Conclusion       
The process of forgiveness also involves the sinner. He must forgive those who offend him. He must be humble, and ask for forgiveness, Ps 34:18, Ps 51:17. A continuous, intentional, preconceived life of sin will put the sinner beyond redemption. For Paul asked a question: Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid was his answer to the rhetorical question he asked himself and the body of Christ. We need to be transformed in our attitude, conduct and life style so that we may show what is good and acceptable in God’s view. You will move from glory to glory and obtain the spotless white garment of holiness, the passport to heaven in the mighty name of Jesus.

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