Monday, June 13, 2016
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness....
THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS--THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT (1)
Every Sunday in the Apostolic Creed we confess with fellow believers: "...I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS...."
One of the questions under the Third Article in Dr. Luther’s Small Catechism is: "What is the most precious gift which the Holy Ghost by the Gospel bestows on the Church?" The answer: "The forgiveness of sins."
The forgiveness of sins is most precious since without it there can be no hope and assurance of everlasting life. For the same reason the forgiveness of sins has been called the central doctrine of our Christian faith.
St. Paul writes that in Jesus Christ we "have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:14). Yes, we have forgiveness by faith in Jesus, yet in various ways the old evil foe seeks to get us to doubt. He suggests, "You know what a sinner you are! Every day you sin in thoughts, words, and actions; how can you, of all people, claim God’s forgiveness?" May we, like the hymn-writer, simply believe by Spirit-worked faith that God through His word offers, gives, and seals His grace and forgiveness to us in Christ.
I, a sinner, come to Thee With a penitent confession.
Savior, mercy show to me; Grant for all my sins remission.
Let these words my soul relieve: Jesus sinners doth receive.
Oh, how blest it is to know: Were as scarlet my transgression,
It shall be as white as snow By Thy blood and bitter passion;
For these words I now believe: Jesus sinners doth receive.
(Lutheran Service Book, 609:4-5)
