Eternal Forgiveness
Daily Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 42-45
Daily Focus Passage: Isaiah 43
The prophet Isaiah spoke of the eternal forgiveness from God alone in Isaiah 43. When we understand the forgiveness of God, we must respond with faithfulness, gratitude, and praise. Isaiah details the necessity of forgiveness and the amazing nature of forgiveness that challenges us to seek forgiveness from the Lord. As we consider God's eternal forgiveness, we must ensure we seek to live in it.
THE FORGIVENESS OF SIN
The prophet Isaiah speaks to how the Lord blots out the sins of his children. The concept of blotting out sin references removing the presence of sin and the stain left by sin. When God forgives sin, he removes the stain entirely and makes the forgiven white as snow. The Lord blots out sin in forgiveness and no longer remembers the sin in one's life. Not remembering reflects the complete nature of forgiveness that extends from the Lord to those who call on his name and repent. The forgiveness spoken by Isaiah continues to extend to God's children today.
THE INABILITY TO JUSTIFY THE SELF
Isaiah reveals the necessity of forgiveness by announcing the inability of people to justify themselves and live in righteousness before the Lord. The Lord provides the opportunity to justify the activities of our life. No words or explanation overcomes the guilt and due justice for our sins. When standing before the Lord, the only explanation for one's life that brings acceptance is the confession of Jesus Christ in faith that brings redemption. This acceptance means we acknowledge our unworthiness, declare that Christ alone is righteous, and cover us with his righteousness.
THE BATTLE OF SIN FOR EVERYONE
Isaiah points to the truth that everyone faces the calamity of sin. Isaiah mentioned the heroes of the faith who fell prey to the struggle with sin. When we read through Scripture, we find people like Abraham, David, and Paul who battled moments of disobedience and sinfulness. Yet, these continued to seek forgiveness in the Lord. At the same time, the prophet notes that even the faithful religious mediators fell prey to sin. The truth demonstrates that all battle sin, live plagued by corruption and that the only hope comes through Jesus.
TEMPORARY PAIN AND ETERNAL FORGIVENESS
Isaiah declared the truth of the co-existence of temporary pain and eternal forgiveness. Sin requires penalty, and even when one receives forgiveness from the Lord, the consequences of sin may continue. For instance, if a murderer becomes a believer in prison, that individual is eternally forgiven but continues to endure the momentary pain from the sinful activity. Thus, we must understand that forgiveness is a now-and-later reality. Now, it provides hope for the future, and later, it is realized in the fullness of heaven.
