Conditions for Forgiveness

Scripture:  II Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.   I John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

II Chronicles 7:14 was a response from God to Solomon’s prayer/request in II Chronicles 6 concerning provisions for His people/the Israelites.  God answered Solomon with four conditions for forgiveness:  humble yourself by admitting your sins; praying to God – asking for forgiveness; seeking God continually; and turning from sinful behavior.

True repentance is more than talk.  It has to do with a changed behavior.  As individuals, it is imperative that our lives are in tune with our Heavenly Father.  We are living our lives – falling short of the glory of God.  We struggle with sin as it says in Romans 7:15-25.  When people have done you wrong, sometimes we hold a grudge.  We should never look down on people who are less fortunate than ourselves or think we are better than others.  Sometimes we allow the things of this world to distract us from times of worship, prayer, and reading/studying the Word of God.  It’s time to repent of these things – which affect our fellowship/closeness with the Lord.  There are power struggles even in churches. Churches have loss their impact in the world because of its lack of reverential fear of the Lord and/or refusal to repent of sins.  When the church becomes the church, we will see things change in our nation.  Unfortunately, to the world some Christians look no different than those who are lost in their sin.

What should we look like?  JESUS!!  Jesus was angered when He dealt with the so-called “religious” people.  When Jesus dealt with those who were considered the outcast of society, He was kind and compassionate.  He definitely did not overlook their sin, but He did not treat them as outcasts or belittle them.  He loved/cared for them.  They became aware of their sins.  We can make a difference in our families, churches, or wherever we go, if we have that same love, compassion and concern for others.  As we are evangelizing, people don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care.  Pastor Cockrell has told us many times, we are to be who we are as Christians --  light and salt.  (Matthews 5:13-16)

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for sending Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sin.  We are so grateful that we have a personal relationship with You. At Genesis, we are so blessed to hear the Word of God rightly divided, and there are so many positive things going on.  Therefore, we are without excuse.   Help us to humble ourselves by admitting our sins; pray to God – asking for forgiveness; seeking God continually; and turning from sinful behavior.  We want to live a life that is pleasing to You. Please help us.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(Marsha Williams)