One of the

most wonderful benefits of the Christian faith is its emphasis on forgiveness.

In a nutshell, that's what the "cross" was all about. When Jesus

permitted Himself to be crucified, He did so to provide a "way of

escape" for all of us who are burdened with guilt from sin and in

need of a new beginning.

So many people

have been led to believe that the Christian faith is about "thou

shalt" and "thou shalt not." That's as far from the truth

as can be. The Christian faith's presupposition is that "all have

sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Not one of the new Cardinals

just appointed by the Pope is spiritually immune from the contagion of

sin.

In assuming

the universal nature of failed humanity, God's ultimate provision--since

"thou shalt not" didn't work--was the provision of vicarious

suffering and death. Because we are sinners by nature and choice (remember

you don't have to teach your kids to be disobedient), we must pay for

our sins or perhaps someone will take our place in the penalty box. I

don't understand it except that He loved us, but Jesus Christ of history

stepped up and took our punishment. Not only does God love us and forgive

us, but He also took upon Himself the penalty of our sins, as few or as

many they may be.

Every single

person in the world has been forgiven. The rapist, the drug trafficker,

the adulterer have all been forgiven. Many folks just don't know they

have been forgiven. In fact, many people don't realize that they don't

have to continue in carrying their load of guilt. They don't have to continue

in their sinful lifestyle because something has been transacted for them.

Their sins have been paid for. They have a new beginning at the door.

But. But. It's

the "but" that so many stumble over. But, every sinner--from

president to pimp--must accept that "paid for" forgiveness.

Let say, you are still haunted by a sin you committed as a teenager. You

still carry that baggage in your psyche. It always pops up on the screen

of your life when you least expect. It's crippling. It's hurtful. All

you have to do is this: sincerely draw a picture of the sin in the secret

room of your mind and accept God undeserved forgiveness with thanksgiving.

It's a done deal. The Word of God clearly states, "If we confess

our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse

us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Please! Please!

Please! Please don't endure another pop up from sins past because you

have not accepted God's unmerited forgiveness. Just like you would accept

a Christmas gift from a love one, accept God's forgiveness--made possible

your life without dragging all that garbage baggage.

Several months

ago, God became really close to me and spoke to my inner person, saying,

"John, you are still being defeated by sins of your youth. Give them

to me." There before my Father in Heaven, I drew the picture of my

sins that kept popping up. Then, I accepted His wonderful forgiveness.

The Word of God promises that when we give our sins to God, He takes them

and buries them in the deepest place in the ocean that is about seven

miles deep. Not only does He bury them there, the Word promises that God

forget where He buries them.

That's forgiveness.

It's totally liberating. Plus, there's more for tomorrow. The Word says

God has new mercies for us each new morning.

But! You have

to accept His forgiveness. Please! Do it.

Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor

of River's Edge

Community Church in Fayetteville.

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