Forgiveness

Psalm 130:3-4 (ESV) says, “If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.”

The truth is that God could keep a record of all of our sins and failure. He could document and know every single thought that was unholy. Every urge and leaning toward ungodliness could be counted against us. If God were only a strict judge, then as the psalmist says, we would have no hope of standing before him.

But with God, it is different. He extends forgiveness, and this gift is not to be taken lightly. It is not forgiveness that lets us off the hook or makes little of the severity of wickedness (in this case, wickedness refers to anything ungodly). Instead, it is forgiveness built on love and grace.

While this psalm was written well before the coming of Christ and before the prophetic writings calling to Christ’s return, they were Holy Spirit-inspired writings that fully agree with God’s story. The forgiveness we are offered comes through the son. Perhaps you remember our devotional about the life of faith? Galatians 2:20 ESV says, “And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

This verse also helps us better understand the fear of the Lord. Fearing God could be like standing under the weight of an unplayable debt, or it could be standing under the unbearable weight of grace and forgiveness. Where do you find yourself today?

Remember what Jesus said at the Last Supper. He shared the meal with his disciples and said in Matthew 26:28 ESV, “this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Finally, this is where we place our hope. 1 John 1:9 NIV says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Put your hope in the one who forgives today.

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