Praying For Forgiveness

Praying for Forgiveness

He made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV

FOR MUCH OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY, forgiveness has been treated as a transaction. We sin, we ask for forgiveness, and we receive it. We sin again and ask again. And Jesus assures us we will be forgiven repeatedly, just as he tells us to forgive others with unending grace (Matthew 18:21-35). But while a transaction does take place when we confess our sins and receive God’s forgiveness, he is much more thorough with us than a case-by-case remedy would suggest. He cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). His Word declares that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). According to 2 Corinthians 5:21, he has made it possible for us not only to receive righteousness but to become the righteousness of God in Christ. He is absolutely thorough in his redemptive, restorative, cleansing work.

When you’re praying for forgiveness, you will have plenty of evidence that contradicts this thorough cleansing. You will immediately be able to think of examples when you have not demonstrated the righteousness of Christ. No matter. You are basing your life on what God says, not on what your conscience says. Even when our own hearts condemn us, he is greater than our hearts (1 John 3:20, ESV). Paul goes to great lengths to convince us to see ourselves as God sees us, to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6). Why? Because the way we see ourselves will determine how we live. If we see ourselves as sinners, we will continue to sin. If we see ourselves as the righteousness of God in Christ, we will begin to act like it. Our forgiveness will be made manifest inwardly and outwardly.

When you are praying for forgiveness, refuse to water down the forgiveness God offers. He forgives all our sins (Psalm 103:3). He removes them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). He has given us access to the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Our old nature was nailed to the cross with Jesus and left in his grave. Come out in faith and pray as the new creation you are.

When Christ’s hands were nailed to the cross, he also nailed your sins to the cross.