Embracing Redemption: The Power of God's Forgiveness

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I explored the profound truth of God's forgiveness and the transformative power of His grace in our lives. I began by reflecting on the scriptural promise that God casts our sins as far as the East is from the West, choosing not to remember them against us. This divine act of forgetting is not about God being unaware of our past, but rather about Him not holding our sins against us, allowing us to stand before Him and others with a testimony of redemption.

I shared my personal journey, revealing that I was abused at a young age and subsequently lived a life of addiction. It wasn't until 2010 that I entered recovery and began to address these deep-seated issues. Through God's forgiveness and restoration, I am no longer defined by my past. I emphasized that while I remember my past, it no longer has power over me because I am redeemed and forgiven.

I drew attention to the Old Testament practice of setting up memorials, not to commemorate sin, but to celebrate what God had done in that place. These memorials served as reminders of healing, not pain. Similarly, when we look in the mirror, we should see ourselves as God sees us—forgiven and free from the burden of past sins.

I cautioned against superficial faith, which is easily recognized by the enemy, God, and the world. The world is not looking for "plastic" Christians who pretend that life is perfect. Instead, the world needs to see genuine believers who are redeemed, saved, imperfect, but forgiven, restored, and healed. I encouraged the congregation to embrace the process of recovery and inner healing, acknowledging that while some deliverance may be instantaneous, other aspects of healing take time.

I referenced Hebrews 9 and 10, which contrast the temporary covering of sin by the blood of bulls and goats with the eternal redemption obtained through the blood of Christ. Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all, purging our consciences from dead works to serve the living God. This means that not only are our sins forgiven, but we are also freed from the consciousness of sin that once plagued us.

In conclusion, I urged everyone to rehearse the truth that we are made in God's image, forgiven, and redeemed. God's forgiveness is readily available, and we need not doubt His willingness to forgive. Confession and repentance are crucial; confession acknowledges sin, while repentance involves turning away from it. Through the blood of Jesus, we are forgiven once and for all, and we no longer need to remember our sins or allow the enemy to torment us with them.

Key Takeaways:

- The act of God "forgetting" our sins is not about ignorance but about His choice not to hold our sins against us. This divine perspective empowers us to live with a testimony of God's grace, even as we remember our past. Our identity is no longer tied to our sins but to the redemption and restoration we have in Christ. [55:01]

- Setting up memorials in our lives should focus on God's acts of healing rather than the pain of our past. When we look at ourselves, we must see the new creation we are in Christ, not the old self that has been forgiven and transformed by His grace. This shift in perspective is crucial for living a life free from the bondage of past sins. [56:21]

- Authenticity in our faith journey is essential. The world is not seeking perfect Christians but those who are real—imperfect, yet forgiven and continually being restored. Our lives should be a testament to God's grace, demonstrating that while we remember our past, it no longer defines or controls us. [58:11]

- The blood of Christ offers us eternal redemption, which is far superior to the temporary coverings of the Old Covenant. It not only forgives our sins but also purges our conscience, allowing us to serve God with a renewed mind and spirit. This truth should be a cornerstone of our faith, freeing us from the guilt and shame of past sins. [51:15]

- Confession and repentance are two sides of the same coin. While confession is agreeing with God about our sin, repentance is the act of turning away from it. True repentance leads to change, and it is this change that reflects the genuine sorrow for sin and the desire to live in alignment with God's will. [01:02:35]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 9:12-14 (KJV)
- "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"

2. Psalm 103:12 (KJV)
- "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."

3. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
- "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 9:12-14, what is the significance of Jesus' sacrifice compared to the sacrifices of bulls and goats? [49:57]
2. In Psalm 103:12, what does it mean when it says God has removed our transgressions as far as the east is from the west?
3. How does 2 Corinthians 5:17 describe the transformation that occurs when someone is in Christ?
4. What personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the power of God's forgiveness and redemption? [55:01]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God "forgetting" our sins, as mentioned in the sermon, differ from human forgetfulness? [54:28]
2. What does it mean for our conscience to be purged from dead works, as stated in Hebrews 9:14? How does this affect our daily lives? [51:15]
3. Why is it important to set up memorials that focus on God's acts of healing rather than our past sins? [56:21]
4. How does the pastor's emphasis on authenticity in our faith journey challenge the way we present ourselves to the world? [58:11]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with guilt or shame from past sins. How can the truth of God's forgiveness help you move forward? [51:58]
2. The pastor mentioned the importance of seeing ourselves as new creations in Christ. What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this truth daily? [56:21]
3. How can you ensure that your faith is genuine and not superficial? What changes might you need to make in your life to reflect this authenticity? [58:11]
4. Think about a "memorial" you can set up in your life to celebrate God's healing. What would this look like, and how can it serve as a reminder of His grace? [56:21]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of confession and repentance. Is there a specific sin you need to confess and turn away from? How can you take steps towards true repentance? [01:02:35]
6. How can you support others in their journey of recovery and inner healing, as the pastor described? What role can you play in their process of restoration? [58:53]
7. The pastor shared his personal testimony of overcoming addiction and abuse. How can sharing your own story of redemption impact others in your community? [55:01]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's Forgetfulness of Sins
God's choice to "forget" our sins is a profound expression of His grace, allowing us to live unshackled by our past transgressions. This divine forgetfulness is not about ignorance but a deliberate decision to not hold our sins against us. It is a liberating truth that empowers individuals to move forward with a testimony of redemption, even as they remember their past. The identity of a believer is no longer tied to their sins but to the redemption and restoration found in Christ. This perspective shift is essential for living a life of freedom and purpose, as it aligns one's self-view with how God sees them—forgiven and made new. [55:01]

Psalm 103:11-12 (ESV)
"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."

Reflection: How does understanding God's "forgetfulness" of your sins change the way you view yourself and your past mistakes?

Day 2: Celebrating Healing, Not Pain
Setting up memorials in our lives should be an act of celebrating God's healing rather than dwelling on past pains. When reflecting on personal history, it is crucial to focus on the transformative work of God rather than the old self that has been forgiven. This shift in perspective is vital for living a life free from the bondage of past sins and embracing the new creation one is in Christ. By seeing oneself as God sees them, individuals can walk in the fullness of freedom and grace that comes with being a child of God. [56:21]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: What "memorial" can you set up in your life to celebrate the healing God has done, rather than the pain you've experienced?

Day 3: Authenticity in Faith
The authenticity of one's faith journey is essential. The world is not seeking perfect Christians but those who are real—imperfect, yet forgiven and continually being restored. It is important to be genuine in one's walk with God, demonstrating that while the past is remembered, it no longer defines or controls. This authenticity is a powerful testimony to God's grace and the ongoing process of healing and restoration that takes place in the life of a believer. [58:11]

2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate the authenticity of your faith to those around you, showing that you are a work in progress, forgiven and being restored?

Day 4: The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice
The blood of Christ offers eternal redemption, far superior to the temporary coverings of the Old Covenant. It not only forgives sins but also purges the conscience, allowing believers to serve God with a renewed mind and spirit. This cornerstone of faith liberates from the guilt and shame of past sins, enabling a life of worship and service that is pleasing to God. The sacrifice of Jesus is once and for all, a complete work that needs no repetition, and it is this truth that should anchor the believer's faith. [51:15]

Hebrews 10:14 (ESV)
"For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."

Reflection: How does the understanding of Christ's once-and-for-all sacrifice impact your daily walk with God and your service to others?

Day 5: The Power of Confession and Repentance
Confession and repentance are two sides of the same coin, both essential for a healthy spiritual life. Confession is agreeing with God about the nature of sin, while repentance involves a genuine turning away from it. This process leads to change, reflecting a true sorrow for sin and a desire to align with God's will. It is through confession and repentance that believers experience the fullness of God's forgiveness and the transformative power of His grace. [01:02:35]

1 John 1:9 (ESV)
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Reflection: What specific sin do you need to confess and turn away from today, and how can you take practical steps toward repentance?

Quotes

"thankfully he can't read your thoughts but I believe the enemy knows what fake is when he sees it and so does God and so does the world and you know what they're not looking for they're not looking for plastic manneck and Christians right it doesn't do anything for the world... what they're looking for for is they're looking for people who are redeemed and saved imperfect but forgiven and res and restored and healed and that's what they're looking for and people who say yeah oh yeah I remember my past but I don't let it affect me anymore because I don't carry the baggage I unpack the baggage now that's a process of recovery." [58:11]( | | )

"God can deliver you from something instantaneously and I believe in the process of inner healing which may or may not always be an instantaneous thing I'll leave it up to God but that inner healing has to happen because we've all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God however God is not going to let that affect you for the rest of your life when he heals you and when he restores you it's going to be a good work that's done once for all." [59:30]( | | )

"I want every single one of us to rehearse the fact that I'm Made In His Image I am forgiven by him I am redeemed the price has been paid God doesn't even have to when you come to him and go God I'm I'm sorry for my sins and I don't want to live this way anymore would you forgive me God hadn't have to try to generate forgiveness for you because forgiveness was Pro Hebrews says this it was done once for all." [01:01:59]( | | )

"Unforgiven Sin is unrepented Sin and I I know we're doing some teaching here but confession and repentance are totally different things confession is saying I sinned I agree with what God says that that's sin and that's not what I should do that's confession but how many time how many know that you can confess a sin time and time and time and time again but if you don't repent which means to turn the other way you're confessing something that you're really not sorry for." [01:02:35]( | | )

"and when the scripture says that God throws our sins as far as the East is from the West never to remember them anymore God all knowing still remembers your sin but he doesn't look at you and see your sin and he doesn't remember them again against you in other words they're not on your record they're ancient memory they're ancient history right and so then you can stand up and give a testimony." [55:01]( | | )

"the blood of Jesus not only has the power to remove the sin forgiven but it also has the power to remove sin Consciousness from you meaning you don't have to remember the sin anymore through the blood of Jesus that's what's so much better from the blood is that now the blood literally forgives you once and for all he said he went and did it but now you don't even have to remember in fact the enemy can't come and torment you about your past." [51:58]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?