For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJ)
When we accept Jesus and His sacrifice, ALL our sins are forgiven. This was a sticking point for me for a long time. Contemplating the mountain of sins I had accumulated, I could not wrap my brain around His promise to forgive all of them. Then Romans 2:11 told me there is no partiality with God.
In His infinite love, the Lord did not let go of me. He continually showed me His character and Word that prove His sacrifice on the cross is for everyone. God’s Word tells us that faith is the answer to our doubt. In Mark 9 Jesus explained to the father of a child possessed with a spirit that if he could believe all things were possible. The father cried out to Jesus, Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Jesus healed the man’s son.
Luke 17:5-6 NKJV [5] And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” [6] So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. These words and the ones in Mark 9 helped me to see that I needed more faith in the Savior to overcome my doubt.
Like David in Psalm 40:17, I felt poor and needy. I did not feel my walk with Him was producing fruit and I still clung to a bit of doubt. Humbling myself, and asking for help, God answered my pleas by showing me how badly I had been treating a friend. He was nudging me to apologize. I admitted my sin and made restitution with my friend. Immediately, I experienced the joy of the Lord for the first time. Putting my faith in Jesus brought me to the place I had longed for. I knew in my spirit that I was indeed truly saved.
It has been six years since that apology. The past year brought much loss and grief. A sliver of doubt that I was not good enough crept back into my mind and inevitably brought me to my knees. Luke 7:47 kept appearing in my devotions. “Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” NKJ
I was forgiven so much more than I deserved. But with those sins removed and the love of the Lord continually being poured into me, I have been able to pour love into others.
As Easter approaches are you contemplating the depth of love Jesus has for you that He would make sure the debt of ALL your sins was cleared and forgiven? Are there areas where you doubt you could be that loved? The Word has answers for all your questions and doubts.
For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 NKJV
Father God, thank you for your utmost gift of forgiveness that brings us into your light and everlasting kingdom. Thank you for Good Friday and Easter Sunday!
Janice S.