Forgiven!

“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.” Colossians 2:9-15

Jerry had been convicted twice for theft. Now, standing before the judge again on a third count, he faced the reality of imprisonment. “I’m guilty alright,” he muttered to himself. “I guess I’m just gettin’ what I deserve.” But what is this? His attorney and the judge were whispering back and forth. “Now what?” thought Jerry. “Oh, the sentence.” The judge speaks. “Although your guilt has been proven beyond any reasonable doubt,” he pauses, “the court has agreed to suspend any sentence. You are forgiven.”

Imagine, if you will, the unbelievable emotional relief and gratitude on Jerry’s behalf. Yes, he’s guilty but he’s forgiven. You too, like Jerry, are guilty of rebellion toward God: independence and self-will. But because God loves you just the way you are (you don’t have to improve for Him to love you), He wants you to be forgiven and have a meaningful relationship with Him.

Forgiveness is extended to you by the nail-scarred hand of Jesus. Will you take His hand, take His forgiveness, and live your life in a new manner? If you have already done so, how have you shown your appreciation to God for declaring you “forgiven”?