Living in Forgiveness
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 3 - Receive God's Forgiveness, p. 48
Understanding that we are forgiven in Christ is essential for living as the children of God. Consequently, some Christians and their churches have discovered that regularly proclaiming God’s forgiveness to those who confess not only provides comfort to troubled consciences but also empowers them to live as children of God.
The forgiveness of God is proclaimed during a congregation's corporate confession of sin. A pastor or a trusted brother or sister in Christ announces God's forgiveness when an individual confesses in their presence. This act serves as a profound expression and affirmation of the Gospel.
Individuals who may be unfamiliar with the practice of proclaiming God’s forgiveness are encouraged to be receptive to it in two specific situations: when someone trusts you enough to confess their sins to God in your presence, and when reconciling with a believer who has wronged you and who has sought forgiveness from both God and you.
When guilt or doubts threaten to diminish your joy in Christ’s forgiveness, focus on God’s assurances for you. Read these passages of Scripture aloud, substituting your name:
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him [Name] might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
“But now in Christ Jesus [Name] who once [was] far off [has] been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).
“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove [Name’s] transgressions from [him/her]” (Psalm 103:12).
Proclaiming God’s Forgiveness is available online. It's also available here, or by clicking on the image above. Several Bible verses declaring God’s forgiveness are listed on the pamphlet’s back page, each with places to insert an individual’s name. Use this page to proclaim God’s forgiveness to one another using these Bible passages.
In his book Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer says this about Christian community: "And that also clarifies the goal of all Christian community: they meet one another as bringers of the message of salvation." Proclaiming God's Forgiveness is the ultimate message of salvation.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
Bible study format through Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation OR Go and Be Reconciled: What Does This Mean?
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Seminar format for either Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation or Go and Be Reconciled: What Does This Mean?
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FREE Online course: Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation Self Study
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