“Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
You don’t have to be hesitant or shy about coming to God for forgiveness. The Bible says, “Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT).
At the throne of grace, you won’t find scolding, punishment, or rejection. When we come to God with our sin, we receive his mercy, and we find his grace.
What’s the difference between mercy and grace? Mercy is forgiveness for all the things you’ve done wrong. Grace is the power to change. You need both. You need mercy for your sin, all the things you’ve done wrong in the past (forgiveness). And you need grace, the power to change, in the future. God says that when you come to him with honesty and humility, you will receive both.
Let me tell you how not to get God’s forgiveness.
You don’t beg God. He wants to forgive you more than you want to be forgiven! You don’t have to beg.
You don’t bargain or bribe: “God, I’ll never do it again! I’ll live this kind of life. I’ll tithe 20 percent!” You don’t bargain. You don’t bribe. You don’t beg.
You just believe.
What do you believe? You believe God’s promise in Hebrews 4:16.
How do you do it? You just confess. Confession is not saying, “God, I’ll never do it again.” It’s saying, “You’re right, God. It was wrong. I was wrong.”
The Bible says in Romans 5:1, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (NIV).
What does it mean to be justified? It means “just as if you’d never sinned.” It means God considers you righteous or not guilty because of what Jesus has done for you.
Wouldn’t you like to have a heart that’s washed clean? No matter how deep the stain of your sin, God can take it out. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though your sins are deep red, they can be white like wool” (Isaiah 1:18 NCV).
Do you believe that God can forgive your worst sin? Why or why not?
What needs to change about the way you confess your sin to God?
If we have been justified through faith, why do you think we have to keep confessing our sin?
Are you ready to be washed clean?
No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, you’ve got a place in God’s forever family ready and waiting for you. The invitation is wide open. Just believe and receive, trusting in God’s character and the grace he extends. Simply pray this prayer:“Dear God, I know when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and toward you.
“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all that I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord. I could never be good enough to get into a perfect place.
“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at Rick@PastorRick.com and let me know. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.
