A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
“Now to the one who works, the wages are not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered. “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.”
Romans 4:4-8 NASB2020
Jesus was born, served his family, community and world. He spoke the truth, fulfilled hundreds of prophesies, turned water into wine, fed 5,000 with 2 loaves and 5 fish, healed the lame, made the blind see, made the deaf hear and He forgave sins! He was hated by most for what He did. The most important thing He did was to forgive sin.
Even King David knew, as he stated in Psalm 32 that there is nothing we can do to earn forgiveness. This is why Jesus came. He came to forgive sin, once and for all. All sin for all eternity. All we have to do is believe that was, is and will always be His purpose, to forgive sin.
Why is so hard to receive forgiveness? Because it means we have to admit we are sinners in need of a savior! It also means we have to ask for forgiveness, also not as easy task for us as selfish and conceited human beings. But ohh what happens when we do ask for forgiveness and receive that free gift of God’s amazing grace of forgiveness!
It is why Jesus came to earth. His forgiveness changed the world and it will continue to change the world.
Pastor Todd Clayton of Journey Fellowship Church reminded us of the meaning of the word Advent last fall. It comes from the Latin word Adventus: meaning “The coming”… As you know ADVENT is the church’s season of preparing for Christmas Day. But I suggest, as we sit here in a time where “last days” seem to upon us, that we continue daily to focus on the coming of Christ! All his miracles and healing and teaching and fulfilling of prophecy was to direct people to Him and why He came! He came to die on the cross to rise again, on the third day so that our sins may be forgiven and so that we have reconciliation with our Heavenly Father for all eternity!
Therefore let’s focus on the “adventus” (His coming) and the forgiveness of sins and His perfect reconciliation!
Lord, we thank you for your coming to earth and doing miracles, fulfilling prophecy and showing us how to live. But most of all we thank you for your death on the cross which was the propitiation of our sins. Thank you that we don’t have to work off our sins. Thank you that Christ’s death on the cross forgave us forever. Help us to daily seek you, daily prepare for your second coming and to preach your good news of forgiveness. We pray all this in Jesus name Amen!
Shalom Blessings and Press In and Press On!