Am I Worthy of Forgiveness?
Through study and talking with various people, many felt that they had no hope and that they are not worthy of God's forgiveness. The question really is, are any of us worthy of God's forgiveness? The answer is that none are righteous, no not one (Romans 3:10-12.) The truth of the manner is that we all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23.) The devil is very active in trying to figure out what our weaknesses are, and is waiting to devour us (1 Peter 5:8.) We try to categorize sin as big and little, and we tend to put a greater emphasis on certain ones that we have done which makes us feel guilty and ashamed. The devil plays on this in our minds and tells us that we have no hope, convincing us to just stay in this lifestyle.
Let's take a look at a few passages that tell us of various sins. Galatians 5:19-21 KJV 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Paul also addressed the Corinthian church in 1Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV -9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. We need to understand that if we Willfully stay in these things, we will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Now let's take a look at the hope that is in Christ Jesus. Following up with 1 Corinthians 6 from above, 1Co 6:11 KJV - 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. See God had a plan, from the beginning of time, to reconcile mankind back unto Himself through His Son Jesus (Ephesians 1.) While we were in a helpless and hopeless situation, being enemies to God, God sent His Son (Romans 5:6-11.) We must develop faith of the assurances of hope that are in Christ Jesus through the study of God's word (Romans 10:17.) We must put Christ on, Galatians 3:27 KJV - 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. By being baptized into Christ we are put into the death and resurrection of Him (Romans 6:3-7.) Upon becoming Christians, we need to know that we still are going to sin, we must avoid willful sin at all cost, but even now we have a God that is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9.) The Gospel call is for all, that all may have hope in Him.
Mike Parks
March 16, 2021
Hardin County Church of Christ
