'Real Joy.'
Romans 4:7.
a) Oh, what Joy
b) For those whose disobedience is forgiven,
c) Whose sins
d) Are put out of sight.
(This QT teaches me a reason for Real Joy)
PRAYER: To know Real Joy.
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'Authority On Earth To Forgive Sins.'
Matthew 9:6.
a) "So, I will prove to you
b) "That the Son of Man
c) "Has the Authority on Earth
d) "To forgive sins."
e) Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said:
1-"Stand up
2-"Pick up your mat
3-"And go home."
(Through this Second one I know that Jesus still has Authority On Earth To Forgive Sins)
PRAYER: To have assurance from the Lord that our sins are forgiven.
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Chris.
It is a very wonderful part of the Gospel that God is still willing to forgive the sins of anyone who acknowledges that they are by nature a sinner and have sinned. The person who is forgiven by God experiences full and complete forgiveness and acceptance from God. After experiencing this forgiveness there very often needs to follow a period of learning how to live a life as a True Believer (some call it a Disciple).
The Message of the Gospel, however, is not about discipleship, it is about God's Grace and Forgiveness. When we become a New and True Believer in Christ, this Grace and Forgiveness becomes the reality of the Christian life that we have. We are fully and unconditionally grateful to God for what He has done for us in giving His Son for the sacrifice for our sins. It is after having assurance that we have become a New and True Believer in Christ, that we need to learn to grow spiritually.
Jesus Christ suffered ultimate punishment that we may experience ultimate forgiveness and New Life in Him.
