1012. Knowing That You're OK Before God

One of the biggest things people struggle with is wondering where they stand with God. This certainly includes professing Christians who may attend a church building every week. In fact, that may be part of the problem if they are consistently hearing the wrong message. Am I truly forgiven? Am I doing enough? How can I be sure? What more is needed from me?

There is a peace that passes understanding. It starts with knowing that God did everything necessary to bring us near to Him. Knowing in our hearts that we are justified by faith and not through religious efforts, having gained access by faith into this incredible grace He has extended to us. This is where we stand—whether we are aware of it or not. But it is beneficial to know and to embrace it by believing and receiving what the Holy Spirit bears witness to us ... that you are a child of God and He will never depart from you.



   
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842. The Bondage of Seeking Repeated Forgiveness From God (Part 2)

Taking a single Bible verse out of the proper context can have a negative impact in the minds of well-meaning people seeking the truth. Perhaps this is nearly unrivaled when it comes to 1 John 1:9—where it has been interpreted by many that there is a requirement to keep “confessing” all of your sins to be forgiven or for you to remain forgiven. But who was John speaking to in this first chapter? Believers or those who did not believe?

How does this (false) assumption compare to statements made by Paul and the letter to the Hebrews? How does it compare to things John would say in the very next chapter and near the end of his letter? And just exactly what does confession really mean? We’re following up on last week’s program about the finality of God’s forgiveness through the blood of Jesus and His one (1) sacrifice that addressed the sin issue, once for all.

   
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841. The Bondage of Seeking Repeated Forgiveness From God (Part 1)

Without blood being shed, forgiveness from God was not extended. Even long before the Mosaic law, sin resulted in the repeated sacrifices of innocent animals where the sins were transferred onto the animal. Seeking a renewed forgiveness from God was ongoing. Then the master plan was put into motion and Jesus happened … and offered one (1) sacrifice as the perfect lamb of God. His blood did what had never happened before by any other sacrifice … it took sins away.

But today the religious community has taught that we need to confess all of our sins to be forgiven (again and again). The only thing missing is the bloody beast to go with it. What happens if you don’t confess every single sin? What if you died with an unconfessed or “unforgiven” sin still hanging over your head? Can you see the impossible requirement with that? This misleading mindset leads to fear and bondage, ignorant of the power of the finished work of the cross. If you think God will forgive you every time you ask or if you express sorrow for your sins, we have even better news for you.

   
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