Introductory Thoughts
Prior to salvation, every individual comes to understand the need for forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness is directly associated to the nature of man’s relationship with God. Yet, apart from the need for initial forgiveness, most Christians have a very shallow concept of how the Bible defines forgiveness in general. According to scripture, forgiveness is directly connected to the covering of sin (Psalm 32:1). Psalm 32 does not stand alone as Psalm 85:2 exhibits the same association: “Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.” It is important to understand the Bible correlation of something being forgiven and covered. Interestingly, the Bible connects being forgiven and covered with financial expressions. For example, the Bible uses forgiveness as a financial term in Matthew 6:12. The term forgiveness suggests a removal of responsibility, while the term covered suggests that the debt was settled by another.
Devotional Thoughts
-
(For children): We all sin and our sin separates us from God. We either pay the price (take the punishment for our own sins) or let Christ do it for us. Because Christ died for our sins, we can be forgiven (Colossians 1:14). His blood covers our sins (Romans 5:11). God doesn't see them anymore. This forgiveness can be ours for the asking (Romans 10:13).
-
(For everyone): Do you know and understand the blessedness of the forgiveness of which David spoke? What does it mean to you to know that the guilt and responsibility of your sin can be removed?
-
What does it mean to think that our sins are covered? Who settled the debt for us? What do we owe to the One who settled that debt?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you see the blessedness of forgiven sins.
- Ask God to remind you of His work in forgiving men of their sins.
Song
GREAT IS HIS LOVE, AND LARGE HIS GRACE
