Friday, June 22, 2007
Psalm 32:1-2a Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity.
FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES
Forgiveness comes up in many areas of our lives: with our children, co-workers, family members and friends. Forgiveness is important in any relationship we have -- we need to forgive others, and we need to be forgiven. But when it comes to our relationship with God forgiveness is something that we can't live without. Forgiveness from God is a great blessing. Without His forgiveness we would stand condemned to an eternity in hell!
With these words in the Lord's Prayer we begin with a confession that we are sinful and have disobeyed God's laws. In order for forgiveness to be received, we must be brought to a realization that we have sinned and need forgiveness. The law of God makes us realize our sin, and understand our need for God's forgiveness.
We also must acknowledge that forgiveness is a gift of God's grace and is not a result of our own works or actions. David confesses: "Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity." God has declared our sins forgiven because Jesus Christ has paid for them. Jesus is the "Lamb of God who takes away (forgives) the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Rejoice in God's forgiveness through Christ!
