Forgiveness

 Psalm 85:2 ESV

You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah


Forgiveness is one of humanity's greatest needs. As part of our reconciliation to God it is essential. Almost all of us would admit that we're not perfect- which makes us sinners in need of forgiveness.

How can the Holy One forgive our sins? He can't just brush them under the carpet. He's not just loving and forgiving, he is also righteous and just.

How do we reconcile God's holiness with his forgiveness? We can't presumptuously hope that our good deeds outweigh our bad, because God can't tolerate any badness. Only by the blood of Jesus can our iniquitous stains be washed away.

It's the broken body and the shed blood of the Lord Jesus that are the means by which our sins can be forgiven. 'Not the labour of our hands, can fulfil Thy Law's demands... Thou must save, and Thou alone' (from the hymn Rock of Ages). All we need to do is to claim Christ's sacrifice for ourselves.

'Righteous God, may we claim your Son's death on our behalf. Forgive us for sometimes thinking we're too good or bad for Christ crucified. In his name we ask, amen'.



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