God\u2019s forgiveness can be obtained only by faith. We can\u2019t reason it out. Christ\u2019s gift to us of his blood atonement is so deep, so gracious, so mysterious, it\u2019s far beyond any human ability to understand. We may see the law clearly applied to our sin. We may feel condemnation, fear and guilt over our trespasses, but our heavenly Father always stands lovingly beside us, ready to forgive.<\/p>\n
The blood of Christ, the love of the Father, the Lord\u2019s desire to pardon: all these blessings are known only by faith. \u201cBut that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for \u2018the just shall live by faith\u2019\u201d (Galatians 3:11 NKJV).<\/i><\/p>\n
You may wonder, \u201cHow many times will the Lord forgive me for indulging in the same sin again and again?\u201d Rest assured his incredible forgiveness is unlimited. Every time you sin, you can go to Jesus and find deliverance. Yet the Lord\u2019s forgiveness is not unwise or blind. To be sure, our heavenly Father forgives us; but at a certain point, he chastens us to keep us from continuing to sin. \u201cFor whom the Lord loves he chastens and scourges every son whom he receives\u201d (Hebrews 12:6). <\/i>He tells us, \u201cMy forgiveness is unending, but while you are on the earth, you will experience the consequences of sin.\u201d He reminds us that sin separates us from intimacy with him and from one another, and it keeps us in a cycle of failure and despair. Our Lord\u2019s deepest desire is to bring us out of that cycle for good to a place of strength and rejoicing in him.<\/p>\n
Jesus\u2019 followers said to him one day, \u201cIncrease our faith\u201d (see Luke 17:5). He replied, \u201cIf you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, \u2018Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea.\u2019 And it would obey you\u201d (Luke 17:6).<\/i> His illustration showed them that when they stepped forward with the smallest kernel of faith, he would respond with vigor!<\/p>\n
Give yourself the opportunity to walk in the joy and grace of the Lord. By faith, accept his forgiveness, take his hand, and live the new life that awaits you!<\/p>\n