Forgiveness - God’s Offer to You

“He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”  Ephesians 1:5-7

The use of plea bargaining has becoming an accepted and standard practice in our law courts. This system allows a guilty party to negotiate for a lesser penalty by cooperating in some beneficial way with the state.

When it comes to the forgiveness of our sins, we cannot negotiate with God as is done with a judge in a court of law. God is the Ultimate Judge, but His system of justice is clearly defined and stringently adhered to. There is a price to be paid for sin - the price is death.

“But I will never do it again,” we hear some plead. “I’ll give money to the church.” “I’ll get involved in a drug rehabilitation program.” You can’t bargain with God. But lest we become discouraged by God’s seeming inhuman response, let us listen to His verdict.
               
First of all, there is an offer. He’s offering forgiveness and full pardon. Confess that I am a sinner, that I have sinned against God. Accept God’s offer of forgiveness due to the fact that His own Son has already served my sentence (paid the penalty) for my sin! Believe God and take Him at His Word. Walk out of that “courtroom” a forgiven, free, and liberated person. That is forgiveness.

“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy...”  Titus 3:5