Pastor’s Thoughts: Are you forgiven?

By Pastor Wayne Sibrava

For The Pennysaver

It’s easy to forget what words really mean when we’re busy with life. Nowadays, our opinions can shape how we understand words, along with what we’ve come to believe they mean. But remember, words have a specific meaning, especially when it comes to the Bible.

For example, the word “forgiveness” can be twisted. I remember when I was caught with my hand in the cookie jar and my mom told me, “Not before supper,” and I sarcastically said, “Sorry.” Of course, I didn’t mean it; my mom knew it, and there was no forgiveness. Another example is when someone offends another, and they say, “If I offended you, I’m sorry.” But when you offend someone, you need to own it and apologize so that forgiveness can be given.

When it comes to the biblical word “forgiveness,” there’s a very specific meaning. In the Bible, there’s a wonderful verse that explains this: 1 John 1:9 (ESV) 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This verse shows us that confession means admitting our sin before forgiveness can happen. Confession means owning up to what we’ve done and taking responsibility. When we come clean and confess our sin, God is said to forgive and then cleanse us from our sin. Forgiveness means God sending away the sin, and cleansing means healing and restoration in one’s life.

So, to have a relationship with God, you need to do three things:

– First, admit that you’ve sinned, and that’s true for everyone: Romans 3:23 (ESV) 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

-Second, one must believe that Jesus died and rose again to pay for sin: 1 Peter 3:18 (NLT) 18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.

-Finally, a person must confess Jesus personally: Romans 10:9 (ESV) 9 because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

The most important decision anyone can make is to be sure they know for sure that when they die, they go to heaven…and there is only One Way. And that One Way is through a person and His Name is Jesus. I urge you to admit your sin, believe Jesus paid the price, and confess Him as your Lord. Amen!