God's Forgiveness of Us

Read pages 47-53 of Stephen Canup’s book, "Knowing Jesus Intimately: A Relationship of Love-motivated, Spirit-empowered Obedience," which is available for free reading in Pando Books and Edovo.

TAKEAWAY HIGHLIGHT

The Bible is filled with declarations of God’s love and forgiveness. Your

sins are not excluded. Our relationship with God begins when we believe

and receive God’s forgiveness of us, and truly repent by turning from our

old way of life.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Think about how many sinners in the Bible we are given examples of

that God forgave. Do you sometimes wonder if God can really forgive

and utilize you? Look what He did for others:

Adam and Eve – The first humans to sin also became the first to expe

rience God’s forgiveness (Gen. 3).

Moses – Although he murdered an Egyptian in anger, God chose him

to deliver His people from slavery; to take them to the promised land;

to spend time personally in God’s presence; and, to become known as

a “friend of God” (Ex. 2,3,33,34).

Aaron – Although he was involved in making a golden calf, Aaron later

was head of the priesthood (Ex. 32; Lev. 8).

Aaron and Miriam – When they opposed Moses’ God-given authority,

Miriam was stricken with leprosy. But they confessed and were forgiven

and cleansed (Num. 12).

Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar – These men falsely accused Job and misrep

resented God, but they were forgiven (Job 42).

Rahab – This Jericho prostitute turned to the Lord of Israel and became

part of Jesus’ family tree (Josh. 2; Matt. 1:5).

David – Although he was guilty of murder and adultery, David repented

and confessed his sin. He was spoken of as a man after God’s own heart

(II Sam. 11-12; Ps. 51).

Matthew – This tax collector with a bad reputation became Christ’s

disciple (Matt. 9:9-13).

A Criminal – When he cried out to Jesus on the cross, this thief was

welcomed into paradise (Lk. 23:40-43).

Peter – Though he denied Christ three times, Peter became a pillar in

the church (Mk. 14:66-72; Jn. 21:15-19).

A Woman Caught in Adultery – Her accusers backed away and Christ

forgave her sins (John 8:1-11).

Paul – Killer of Christians and self-confessed “chief of sinners”, Paul is

a prime example of the grace of God (Acts 9; I Tim. 1:15).

Corinthian Believers – Once they were idolaters, adulterers, homosex

uals, thieves, greedy, slanderers, and swindlers, but then they experi

enced God’s forgiveness (I Cor. 6:9-11).

Spend a few minutes re-reading these examples. God can still utilize

you. He has a plan for your life. What He did for others, He will do for you!!!