Receive Forgiveness by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16)

Sometimes, in leading sinners to Christ, some people erroneously tell them to confess all their sins. When the sinner begins to confess his sins, God can’t see them, because He has no records of the sinner’s sins. What He’s interested in is the remission—the removal or blotting away of sin from the sinner’s spirit. Once sin is out of his spirit, he’s qualified to be recreated.

As a Christian, you’re a new creation, born without a past. Your life started when you were born again (2Corinthians 5:17). If, however, at any point in your walk of faith, you make a mistake or do something wrong, the Bible says you have forgiveness in Christ: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).

That’s why our opening verse tells us to obtain mercy or forgiveness. Notice it doesn’t say, “Ask for forgiveness.” Think about it: If, as a Christian, you’re asking God for forgiveness, at what point will He tell you, “It’s okay; I’ve forgiven you”? You’ll probably keep asking for forgiveness, and you’ll never know whether you’ve been forgiven or not.

But the Bible says, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). To be justified means to be declared not guilty. We’ve been justified according to the Scriptures; meaning God has declared us not guilty of our sins; He paid the full penalty for our sins through Jesus Christ.

Therefore, refuse to be “sin-conscious”; rather, have “righteousness consciousness.” If you’ve done something wrong, be bold to receive forgiveness. Say, “Father, I receive forgiveness for that which I’ve done wrong, in the Name of Jesus,” and walk guilt-free. Hallelujah!

PRAYER Dear Father, thank you for the full package of salvation I’ve received in Christ. I walk in boldness, knowing that I’m justified, unblameable and irreproachable in your sight. I’m conscious of my nature of righteousness, and I walk in the light of it, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.