If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
As is often the case, I received a letter from a friend who is dealing with what he described as the "dumb stuff" he did in the past...
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
As is often the case, I received a letter from a friend who is dealing with what he described as the "dumb stuff" he did in the past...
I told him how I could relate to this. I wrestle with my sordid past, too.
But I know the Lord Jesus has forgiven me. I know this because His word tells me so. I have long since repented of my sins, and I have asked with tears of remorse for Messiah Jesus to forgive me. Yet at the same time, my past transgressions come back to haunt me. And when this happens, I recall to mind my Savior's words that I am forgiven, and God will no longer hold my past against me. This is a wonderful truth.
I went on to tell my friend that it is Satan, whom the Bible states is the "accuser of the brethren," who is responsible for throwing our past sins in our face. He does this to bring torment to our souls, and to weigh our hearts and minds down with false guilt, because when we are filled with unnecessary guilt and shame, we cannot be effective witnesses for the Lord. After all, how could I encourage others to seek the Lord and His forgiveness, if I myself doubt within my heart that He has forgiven me?
I told my friend that we need to take God at His Word and believe what it says. Satan is the author of doubt and the father of lies. We should not even listen to him, let alone believe what he says. As followers of Christ, we must keep our spiritual eyes on Him, and staunchly resist the devil's lies. This is where the victory is for the Christian.
God is full of mercy and grace. I told my friend that our Lord Has cast all our sins - past, present, and future - into "the depths of the sea." They will NEVER be remembered anymore. He has chosen to forget them. So must we.
D. B.
But I know the Lord Jesus has forgiven me. I know this because His word tells me so. I have long since repented of my sins, and I have asked with tears of remorse for Messiah Jesus to forgive me. Yet at the same time, my past transgressions come back to haunt me. And when this happens, I recall to mind my Savior's words that I am forgiven, and God will no longer hold my past against me. This is a wonderful truth.
I went on to tell my friend that it is Satan, whom the Bible states is the "accuser of the brethren," who is responsible for throwing our past sins in our face. He does this to bring torment to our souls, and to weigh our hearts and minds down with false guilt, because when we are filled with unnecessary guilt and shame, we cannot be effective witnesses for the Lord. After all, how could I encourage others to seek the Lord and His forgiveness, if I myself doubt within my heart that He has forgiven me?
I told my friend that we need to take God at His Word and believe what it says. Satan is the author of doubt and the father of lies. We should not even listen to him, let alone believe what he says. As followers of Christ, we must keep our spiritual eyes on Him, and staunchly resist the devil's lies. This is where the victory is for the Christian.
God is full of mercy and grace. I told my friend that our Lord Has cast all our sins - past, present, and future - into "the depths of the sea." They will NEVER be remembered anymore. He has chosen to forget them. So must we.
D. B.
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