How can believers seek forgiveness for sins, excluding blasphemy against the Spirit? Setting the Stage: What Jesus Declared Matthew 12:31 records: “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” Scripture’s accuracy and literalness assure that every sin—other than blasphemy against the Spirit—lies within God’s offer of pardon. Why Forgiveness Is Possible for Every Other Sin • Christ’s atoning death paid the full price: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). • The Father delights to forgive: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). • The invitation is constant: “Come now, let us reason together… though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). Responding to Conviction: Confession • Admit the sin without excuse. – 1 John 1:8-9: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves… If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” • Speak openly to God, agreeing with His verdict. – Psalm 32:5 shows David’s pattern: “I acknowledged my sin to You… and You forgave the guilt of my sin.” • Refuse concealment. – Proverbs 28:13: “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” Turning Around: Repentance • Genuine sorrow leads to changed direction. – 2 Corinthians 7:10 contrasts godly sorrow with worldly regret, highlighting true repentance. • Repentance involves a decisive break. – Acts 3:19: “Repent therefore, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” • Practical steps often include restitution, reconciliation, or altered habits, demonstrating the changed heart (Luke 19:8). Standing on Christ’s Finished Work • Assurance rests on what Christ accomplished, not on personal performance. – Hebrews 10:10: “By that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” • Faith accepts the gift. – Romans 5:1: “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” • The believer now approaches God confidently. – Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Living in Restored Fellowship • Walk in obedience, keeping short accounts with God. – John 8:11 records Jesus’ charge: “Go and sin no more.” • Rely on the Spirit’s power to resist recurring sin. – Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Celebrate ongoing cleansing. – Titus 2:11-12 speaks of grace that both saves and trains, shaping daily life. • Encourage one another in accountability. – James 5:16 links mutual confession with healing and steadfast prayer. Encouragement from God’s Heart • Micah 7:18-19 assures that God “delights in mercy” and “casts all sins into the depths of the sea.” • Psalm 86:5 reminds that the Lord is “good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon You.” Because Scripture’s promises are sure, believers who confess, repent, and rely on Christ can rest in full, immediate forgiveness for every sin other than the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. |
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