DAILY DEVOTION No. 45

FORGIVENESS

Ephesians 1: 7-8

7  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8  which he lavished upon us.

“In Him we have redemption through his blood.” Jesus has redeemed us from the curse of the law. His death has brought us back into spiritual union with God the Father.

Hebrews 9:22 tells us that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. We don’t need to come daily to a priest with our blood offering like they did in Old Testament times. Jesus was sacrificed once to take away the sins of all mankind. Only the blood of Jesus cleanses us. Christ willing gave himself for our forgiveness.

‘Forgiveness’ means “release from bondage or imprisonment” also, “pardon from sin as if they had never been committed” (Greek). Micah 7:18-19 says 18  Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of Your people? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. 19 You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. 

We have received not just a portion of His grace, but the riches of His grace. By the riches of His grace we stand here today without condemnation and judgment.

Illustration

In Ernest Gordon's book "Miracle on the River Kwai" we are presented with the following story - the Scottish soldiers, were forced by their Japanese captors to labour on a jungle railroad and one afternoon something happened. A shovel was missing. The Japanese officer in charge became enraged. He demanded that the missing shovel be produced, or else. When nobody in the squadron budged, the officer got his gun and threatened to kill them all on the spot . . . It was obvious the officer meant what he had said. Then, finally, one man stepped forward. The officer put away his gun, picked up a shovel, and beat the man to death. When it was over, the survivors picked up the bloodied corpse and carried it with them to the second tool check. This time, no shovel was missing. Indeed, there had been a miscount at the first check point. The word spread like wildfire through the whole camp. An innocent man had been willing to die to save the others!

Jesus Christ freely gave His life so that we might receive His salvation. He didn't do this because we deserved it. At best, all our righteousness is as filthy rags in God's sight.

Prayer

Father, I thank you that I have been redeemed by the precious blood of your Son, Jesus. I thank you for your grace towards me. Help me to be ever thankful for the life that I have in You.

Rod Best