Why do we have to ask for forgiveness? “For ALL HAVE SINNED and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23) OK, but what if I don’t ask for forgiveness? “…the wages (consequences) of sin IS DEATH (thanatos: eternal separation from God) …” (Romans 6:23) “Therefore do not let sin REIGN (asileuō: exercise dominion, to rule) in your mortal body so that you OBEY ITS EVIL DESIRES.” (Romans 6:12) “If we claim to be WITHOUT SIN, we DECEIVE OURSELVES and the truth is not in us. If we CONFESS OUR SINS, Jesus is faithful and just and will FORGIVE US OUR SINS and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9)
We receive a WONDERFUL GIFT when we confess our sins! “…the GIFT of God is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) “If we CONFESS OUR SINS, He is faithful and just to FORGIVE US OUR SINS and to CLEANSE US from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) “As far as the EAST is from the WEST, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalms 103:12)
The distance from South Pole to North Pole is 12,430 miles. That’s why scripture does not say “As far as the North is from the South” but if you go East or West it’s an eternal journey! God wants us to know “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins NO MORE.” (Hebrews 8:12) “I, even I, am he who BLOTS OUT YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS, for my own sake, and remembers your sins NO MORE.” (Isaiah 43:25)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham