GOD'S LONGSUFFERING
These words are an index to the nature of our God. See, He is looking for someone to revive -- someone who is concerned about their condition. That someone can be you!
All of this reaches an even higher level in Christ Jesus. The reason is that Christ "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Heb 9:26) -- put it away in mass, or totality. Now acceptance with God is based upon the acceptance of His Son. God is not looking for a reason to condemn us, else we would have all dropped into hell long ago. Rather, He has confirmed His desire to save us by investing the life of His only begotten Son--a sacrifice most difficult to offer.
Believers are often dissatisfied with the level of their spiritual growth. But they must not allow their spirits to be crushed by their deficiencies. A remedy has been provided by the God who has already confirmed His interest in them, and desires to bring them all the way to glory. How beautifully it is stated in First John 1:9. Here is a deep well with refreshing water for the soul. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
Notice what this marvelous affirmation declares. First, forgiveness is based on our acknowledgment of failure -- just admitting to the Lord that we have sinned, and it has grieved us. He is not going to look at our conduct, but hear our confession, which is precious to Him. Then He declares He is faithful "AND JUST" to forgive your sins. See, it is a matter of forgiveness being RIGHT, now that Jesus has, in His death, accomplished what needed to be done. It would be wrong, according to God's own character, to ignore a plea for forgiveness.
But the matter does not end there. He also purifies us from all unrighteousness. This includes the cleansing of the conscience – removing a sense of condemnation. That provision is expressly declared in Hebrews 9:14. This marvelous cleansing produces a sensitivity in our hearts that makes sin repulsive to us. It does not all happen at once, and we should not pretend as though it did. We are being changed from one stage of glory to another by the Spirit of God (2 Cor 3:18).
There is a principle of sin within the believer that really does not belong to him. It is vividly described in Romans 7:15-25. Paul refer to it as "another law," or principle (verse 23). Sensitive souls feel exactly as Paul did. They find that when they would do good, evil asserts itself. That tendency is also called "a law," or principle (verse 21). The important thing to see is that this is not really you. You are not guilty of sin unless you yield to those impulses--the remnants of your old nature that remain in you. That nature is called "the old man," and is to be put off, or denied expression (Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:9-10).
Many of God's people are unable to distinguish between sin and the temptation to sin because of the flawed teaching they have received. Faith will, of course, diffuse all temptations--which are the flaming arrows Satan hurls at us (Eph 6:17).
We are struggling against the vast host of spiritual darkness, as described in Ephesians 6:12. This struggle is common to all believers, and they are to be encouraged that it is a sign of spiritual life, not of hopelessness.
We are right in being discontent with our own failings. But we must not allow our minds to dwell there, for that causes a sort of enslavement to what we hate. The most profound statement of victory over the world, whether in you or apart from you, is found in First John 5:4-5. "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." The thing that endears us to God is believing what He has said about His Son (1 John 5:10-11). As you focus upon that, clinging to it with tenacity of heart, God will "cause" you to triumph, as declared in 2 Corinthians 2:14.
So be of good cheer. Your sin, believe it not, qualifies you for a Savior. As you avail yourself of His mercy, even when you labor and are heavy laden, He will give you rest, and shield you from the enemy. He also assures you, that no matter how often you come to Him, even ashamed of your accomplishments, or lack thereof, "the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37). What precious provisions for those who greatly sense their need of a Savior!
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus Christ for being so gracious, and ready to forgive. I desire with all of my heart to be as sensitive about coming quickly to You, as You are about receiving me.
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