"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." Luke 23:34
Notice the forgiveness of God and Jesus in Luke 23:34; yet, it “seemed” to fail because the people around the cross, in response, “parted his raiment, and cast lots.” Why didn’t they thank the Lord that He had forgiven them for all their wrong doings? Because, they lacked repentance; neither their hearts or minds changed.
Adam and Eve first rebelled against God in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3); since then, all human beings have a totally depraved, sinful nature. We do wrong because it is in our nature to disobey God's ways. All sin separates us from God. However, when Christ died for our sins – he actually died for the sins of all the world! All the world, literally, is forgiven of their sins.
However, until we as humans repent and agree with God that we are sinners and that we need Christ as our Savior – there is no reconciliation. Forgiven people can still go to hell simply because they don't agree with God that they are sinners. Once we repent and accept Christ as our personal Savior, we are reconciled to the One who created us, and we are able to have a deep friendship with Him.
So too in your personal life; does it seem “forgiveness” failed? Find out the missing part of the equation; do you continue to hold grudges against people or have you failed to change your ways after others have forgiven you? It may not always be easy; ask God to remove all bitterness from you and change your heart to be like Him. After all, Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32) – so let us be kind and tenderhearted to everyone else.
Listen to the whole sermon below.
However, until we as humans repent and agree with God that we are sinners and that we need Christ as our Savior – there is no reconciliation. Forgiven people can still go to hell simply because they don't agree with God that they are sinners. Once we repent and accept Christ as our personal Savior, we are reconciled to the One who created us, and we are able to have a deep friendship with Him.
So too in your personal life; does it seem “forgiveness” failed? Find out the missing part of the equation; do you continue to hold grudges against people or have you failed to change your ways after others have forgiven you? It may not always be easy; ask God to remove all bitterness from you and change your heart to be like Him. After all, Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32) – so let us be kind and tenderhearted to everyone else.
Listen to the whole sermon below.
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