If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
Psalms 130:3-4 ESV
Do you remember when teachers used to write names on the board for those students who acted badly? And then, if they continued, they would get a checkmark? Oh man! If you were one of those students, you hated it!
Isn’t it great to know that God doesn’t do that? God doesn’t keep a record of your wrongs or give you checkmarks next to your name for all to see. He forgives you!
Well, He forgives you if ask for forgiveness!
That’s the key. You need to be aware of your bad behavior and know that you need a Savior. He will forgive you! With that acknowledgment comes the need to make a complete turn, meaning, you desire to stop the behavior that caused the sin in the first place. It doesn’t mean you ask to be forgiven with the intention of going back and being sinful again.
The Psalmist said that being forgiven brings fear. This fear isn’t the fear that most think about. This isn’t a scary fear. This fear means “awe” or “awesome.” In other words, God’s forgiveness is so great that it has left you in awe of who God is. It causes you to revere Him and know that He is a Holy God!
You can be forgiven of every sin. You just need to ask Him and receive it. Let Him change your heart.
What are you waiting for?
Father, thank You that there is nothing that I can do to receive forgiveness. I think You that it is a free gift that You give. Help me to live a life that honors You for what You have done in my life.
Peace,
Todd