And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. (Eph 1:7)
Why True Love Demands Forgiveness
The believer is delivered from the snares of sin because of Jesus’ shed blood. He paid the highest possible price—His own life. Jesus, the spotless Paschal Lamb of God, died that man may live forever. The riches of God’s grace are upon the redeemed, a welcome rain on a thirsty soul. His grace greater than man’s sin, His kindness greater than any ever known, His redeeming love pardons us and yearns to restore the broken heart. He has secured forgiveness for all who have found rest in Jesus—forever forgiven. An outpouring of favor, a well-spring of kindness, willingly offered to all who will receive it.
We are the ones who caused His pain and His death. Yet because of His amazing love, our soul is perfectly pardoned. How precious the blood-stained fountain which cleansed us from our guilty sin, how gracious the method by which we have been pardoned, our eternal destiny sealed and secured. When God forgives our sins, He sees us cleansed by the shed blood of His Son. The shadows cast on our life give way to the rays of light from God’s Word as it penetrates our heart. This is our faith-journey to know liberty in Christ. When we look back at our former selfishness, we still condemn the lusts and passions of our past. When we look to today, we rejoice knowing that our compassionate Father, the One Who is love itself, has removed our sin as far as the east is from the west. We are no longer condemned; we have been cleansed.
Won’t you bow before the throne which frees you and embrace the cross which delivers you? Today you can receive the gift of God which pardons. You have been redeemed through His blood. If you could only see yourself as your heavenly Father does—pure and holy, washed in the blood of Jesus, set free from your past sins. There is nothing you can do that Jesus’ blood cannot remove. He is so much greater than your sin. Do you believe that you are no longer under condemnation for your past sins? God is at peace with you. Are you at peace with yourself? Do not think that because you are forgiven, you are able to escape the painful and just consequences of your past sins. This is part of your story, your testimony, your individuality. Let these words resonate in your heart this day, “And can it be that I should gain an int’rest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain.”
Do You Need to Make a Forgiveness Box for the One Breaking Your Heart
Years ago our oldest son went to Bible college with the intention of becoming a pastor. Six months later he left the school, the faith, and his family. I was devastated. How could this be? It took over a decade for him to return. Those were the “silent years” for sure. I started a “Forgiveness Box” and filled it with letters, notes, pictures, and other memories to be given to him when he returned. A multitude of prayers and a surgery later, he did return. I wholeheartedly welcomed him back. When he returned, he was different. He had become a man—with battle scars. Because of his absence, I gained another facet of love. I am confident that my unending love for my son is but a dim reflection of God’s love for me.
Your Turn: Do you have a loved one who has rejected you? Would you be willing to make a “Forgiveness Box” for them? Fill it with mementos, pictures, even notes to be shared with them when they do return. Pray for them. God is sharing with you some of the pain He goes through when His children reject Him. Be encouraged by Luke 7:47, the one who is forgiven much can love much.