Tag Archives: forgive

Christian, Inspirational

Past, Present, and Future

I’ve heard a lot of evangelists proclaim that Jesus died for all our sins, past, present, and future. This is true, but those evangelists often neglect to explain God’s full plan for forgiveness and tell you the whole truth.

Our past sins are forgiven at baptism. It’s more than just a figurative ritual. With belief you truly are washed in Jesus’ blood at baptism. With belief and repentance you are washed and become a new member of God’s family.

After baptism the idea is to walk in the light and quit sinning. Future sins should they happen are only forgiven by the act of confession. 1 John 1:9

Proverbs 28:13 KJV says, He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

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Christian, Inspirational

A Future

Do I have a future in Heaven?

This question is rightfully followed by am I forgiven?

The answer is yes, you can be forgiven and have a sure hope. Read 1 John 1:9. Today, I heard a television preacher say this doesn’t really mean you have to confess. Of course it does. You cannot confess to God – he already knows. You can ask God for forgiveness, but to fulfill the requirements for forgiveness under 1 John 1:9 you need to confess.

It can be scary, but once you get past the worst ones(sins) you may find it gets easier. Here’s the thing – confession is made to another. The person you confess to may be the person you wronged, it may be to your best friend or spouse, if you committed a crime it may even be to the police. In my opinion it could even be to a stranger, but then perhaps you lose a factor of accountability.

What’s the point. If you do your part and confess, Jesus has promised to forgive. Confession is the only way to be forgiven after baptism.

And yes, that scary factor of confession is designed to cause you to sin less.

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Christian, Inspirational

At What Cost?

What is the personal cost of sin and how does it relate to the search for forgiveness?

In the Old Testament a sacrifice came at a cost. The sacrifice was to be one of the unblemished or finest animals of the flock.

Today if you sin and are seeking forgiveness, there is available only one remedy after full immersion baptism in water. 1 John 1:9 advises us to confess.

Confession to another can come with a cost. The person to whom you are confessing, even if they are family, may think less of you. Don’t die in your sin because of shame or fear, and don’t let anyone talk you out of confession.

What about the cost? Will you actually lose the respect of a family member or friend? Maybe, but you will live. I believe the cost is there in part to prevent future sin. God doesn’t need to hear your confession. He already knows. He does require confession to another, but does not specify who that person needs to be. Confess to clergy, confess to your spouse, confess to a stranger, confess to a neighbor, confess to a friend or an acquaintance. Confess and he, God, is faithful and just to forgive!

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Christian, Inspirational

Why your Bible translation matters!

I believe in and promote the King James version Holy Bible.

I do not say that Salvation cannot be found in other translations.

I do say Damnation can be found in other translations.

Here are two examples I’ve come across in the last few weeks:

In John 3:16 one and only son

In KJV one and only begotten son

Why does it matter? Our hope like angels is to be the sons and daughters of the most high God. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 KJV Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

If God has one son, we and angels should lose hope. Yet the correct translation includes begotten to indicate Jesus was born of God and through miraculous conception Mary.

1 John 1:9 when are sins are revealed in his light he is faithful to forgive

1 John 1:9 KJV
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The KJV correctly places the onus of confession on us, not mere happenstance or accident.

Proverbs 28:13 KJV
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

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