How does God forgive me?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 5, Forgive as God Forgave You, Question 2, p. 72
God's forgiveness is not contingent upon our deeds or works. This truth is beautifully encapsulated in the scriptures.
Romans 6:23b states, "But the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse underscores a fundamental principle: the gift of eternal life, which is synonymous with forgiveness, is freely given by God. It is not something we can earn through our own efforts or merit. Rather, it is an act of God's grace, offered to us out of God's boundless love and mercy.
Ephesians 2:8-10 further illuminates this concept: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." These verses emphasize that salvation—and by extension, forgiveness—is a gift from God, received through faith. It is not the result of our works, thus nullifying any grounds for boasting.
The idea that God's forgiveness is unconditional provides immense comfort and assurance. It liberates us from the relentless pursuit of trying to earn God's favor through our actions. Instead, it invites us to rest in the knowledge that we are forgiven and loved, not because of what we have done, but because of who God is.
Moreover, understanding that forgiveness is a gift shapes our response to God’s grace. While our good works are not the basis for forgiveness, they are a natural outflow of a heart transformed by grace. As Ephesians 2:10 points out, we are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared for us. These works are not a prerequisite for forgiveness but a manifestation of the new life we have in Christ.
God's forgiveness is a testament to His unconditional love and grace. It frees us from the burden of striving for perfection and invites us to embrace the gift of eternal life, offered freely through faith in Jesus Christ.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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