How can I receive God’ s forgiveness? Let’s discuss this most important question. I want you to know that there is forgiveness, salvation and hope for you.
“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Jesus is the Only Savior
The only person who has lived and not committed sin is Jesus. None of us can make it to heaven on our own; we all need a Savior:“There is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
God Sent Jesus to Die For Our Sins
That’s why God sent Jesus into the world:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Jesus Accomplished Forgiveness for All
Forgiveness Applied
Jesus accomplished forgiveness for all people, but the forgiveness of all sins, past, present, and future, is only applied to those who believe in Him:
“But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12).
Forgiveness Complete
‘Sitting down’ means that Jesus’ work of salvation is finished. The priests in the Old Testament could never sit down because their work was never completed (Hebrews 10:4). But Jesus accomplished eternal redemption:
“For by one offering He has forever perfected those who are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14).
Not Forgiven by Works
Not by Law
Forgiveness of sins can’t come by any works we do or any law we keep. That’s why Jesus had to die on the cross to take away our sins. If God could have given a law that would take away sins, He wouldn’t have sent His only Son to die in our place:
“For if there had been a law given which could have given life, righteousness would indeed come through the law” (Galatians 3:21).
We Must Believe in Jesus
No Other Option
There was and is no other option. God only forgives our sins when we believe in Jesus:
“But the Scripture has confined all things under sin, that the promise through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe” (Galatians 3:22).
Summary
Everyone except Jesus has sinned and needs God’s forgiveness.
Forgiveness does not come from good living.
We cannot earn God’s forgiveness.
God only offers forgiveness through Jesus and His finished work.
Forgiveness is only applied to those who believe in Jesus.
