When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive in Christ. He forgave us all of our sins…(Colossians 2:13).
My friend, Jim, had a problem. One particular sin kept him in bondage and he couldn't shake it. As a result, he was 95% sure he was forgiven, but there was 5% of doubt that kept him awake at night.
Maybe that's the case for you. It was in my life. My prayers were like a broken record. "Lord, I did it again. Please forgive me, and I promise I will do better tomorrow." It was the same with Jim. He prayed. He read his Bible. He went to church. He promised God he would do better and try harder, but he never felt forgiven.
As a result, Jim's five percent of uncertainty started occupying one hundred percent of his thinking. The security and assurance he once knew gave way to fear and anxiety.
Jim's story is not unique. His doubts and fears are shared by Christians everywhere. We know Christ died on our behalf, but we are not sure what this means to us on a personal level. As a result we live in fear of God's punishment.
A life filled with confusion and doubts and fear is not God's plan for you. He wants to clear away these negative emotions in your life. Love is his tool.
He displayed His love for you at the cross. Paul explains, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). If you want to know what God thinks about you, take a fresh look at the cross. Jesus' work there brings forgiveness and assurance to your heart.
The place to start to solve the 95/5 problem is the cross. That all important question - "Will God forgive my sin?" - is answered in the death of Jesus Christ.
Identify where you stand concerning the forgiveness of your sins.
Do you know that all of your sins have been forgiven? Or are you 95% sure, 80% sure or 50% sure your sins have been forgiven? If you have doubts, are you willing today to take a fresh look at Christ's finished work on the cross?
Read Colossians 2:13 and insert your name every place it says your, you, us or our.
In Him,
Bob Christopher