Forgiven
- The image of God in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) is a father with arms wide open, running toward his wayward child. Do you find it easy or hard to see God this way? Why do you think that is?
- How is God’s forgiveness and mercy described in the following verses?
Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
Isaiah 44:22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Lam 3:22–23 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Micah 7:18–19 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Titus 3:5–6 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior
- Read the following:
Col. 1:13–14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, theforgiveness of sins.
Col. 1:21–22 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation
Because of the forgiveness we have in Christ, what changes have taken place in our relationship with God?
- According to -
Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
what is necessary on our part to receive God’s forgiveness through Christ?
- We can stake our lives on God’s promise of forgiveness. But we don’t always experience that forgiveness. In Paul Thomas Thigpen’s article, underline the responses on our part that can help us more fully experience what God has promised. (recognize and confess your sin, practice humility, fight against habits of sin, recognize the seriousness of sin, recognize the costly treasure of grace, cultivate faith in God’s goodness and mercy, realize that no sin is greater than Christ’s sacrifice, forgive others quickly and completely)
- A number of these responses are evident in Psalm 51, in which David acknowledges his sins of adultery and murder. What can you learn from David’s example about how to experience God’s forgiveness? (recognize your sin, beg for mercy, restore relationship with God)
- Is there something you have already confessed but for which you still do not "feel" forgiven? Pick your favorite verse from question 2. In place of the word sin or offense, place your specific sin. For example, Isaiah 44:22 could then read, "I have swept away your anger (or lying, or gluttony, etc.) like a cloud." Then spend time in prayer, acknowledging God’s amazing gift of forgiveness and thanking Him for it. Record any new insights or changed attitudes here.