Be Forgiven

By William Pelrine Jr.

Do you know why I believe in Jesus? I’ll tell you why: He shed His precious blood on the cross upon Calvary hill for my sins to be forgiven. “…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22b) (NIV)

In the Old Testament we read of how God told Moses and Aaron to sacrifice animals “without blemish” for the forgiveness of sin.  Jesus is called the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  He was perfect.  He was “tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15b) (NIV)  He was the perfect sacrifice. After He was crucified it was no longer necessary to make atonement for our sins through animal sacrifices.  He is God’s “only begotten son.” (John 3:16) (KJV)

By His dying on the cross all sins past, present and future were forgiven.  He died to forgive our sins we committed over 2000 years later.  His blood will never lose its power.  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) (NIV)

“For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.  Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.” (Hebrews 13:11, 12) (KJV)

We have all sinned.  God made us that way.  We’re saints who sometimes sin.  Whether we like it or not, that’s the way it is.  The only one who didn’t is the one who is our high priest ever interceding for us at the right hand of God.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) (KJV)  “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:9) (NIV)

You don’t have to go around feeling guilty as though you are condemned.  “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1) (KJV)  Just admit you sinned just like every other Christian and you’re forgiven.

May the peace of God which transcends all understanding keep you heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” (see Philippians 4:7)

(KJV=King James Version; NIV=New International Version)