Counsel #1 — God Forgives You!

Picture: Counsel #1 — God Forgives You!CR 157.1

Forgiveness, a concept both profound and challenging, permeates Scripture. When Jesus died on the cross of Calvary, He made it possible for all your sins to be forever forgiven! When you finally figure out that the immeasurable value of Christ's sacrifice is sufficient to cover the penalty of your sins, your love for Him compels you to confess and turn away from your wrongdoing.CR 157.2

It’s true that repentance—a genuine sorrow and turning away from our sins—is essential for forgiveness, for it reveals our deep need of a Savior. But don’t wait to come to Jesus until you’re good enough, come to Him just as you are! His Spirit will give you a truly repentant heart, ultimately leading you to God’s forgiveness.^{[149]https://www.adventist.org/will-god-really-forgive-me/} According to the Bible, God exalted Jesus to His own right hand as Prince and Savior to grant repentance and forgiveness.^{[150]See Acts 5:31}CR 157.3

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NIVCR 157.4

“We must humble ourselves before God and admit that we have sinned. This is the first rule for being accepted by God. If we have not repented and humbled ourselves, confessing our sins, we have not truly asked for forgiveness. If we do not hate our sins, we do not truly want to be forgiven, and we do not find the peace of God.” Ellen White in Steps to Jesus, p. 34CR 157.5

Reflect: Have you fully grasped the depth of God’s forgiveness? If so, how did that realization change you?CR 157.6