Forgiveness - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Whoever believes in him receives remission of sins.
Acts 10:43.

Forgiveness
On one significant occasion three crosses had been erected outside Jerusalem. Two criminals hung on the outer ones to the right and left of Jesus Christ in the middle.

One of the two robbers wanted no forgiveness. At the time of his death he had nothing better to do than to deride the Saviour. His conscience was hardened, his heart unreceptive. He had lived without God and would die without God.

The other robber sought forgiveness. He was no better than his fellow criminal, but he accepted his punishment, death by crucifixion. He acknowledged that his execution was the just verdict for his sins. He admitted before all: "We receive the due reward of our deeds" (Luke 23:41). Yet he did not despair. He sought help from Jesus Christ. "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (v. 42). Because he put his trust in the Saviour, he obtained peace with God shortly before his death.

Jesus Christ died on the cross in the middle so as to provide the means of forgiveness for those prepared to repent. He had been condemned to death though innocent. He had committed no sin during His life. As a pure, holy Person He was in a position to lay down His life for the guilt of others.

Through His sacrificial death He brought about the prerequisite under which God can forgive sins following our confession. The question is: do we admit our guilt, as the second criminal did, and claim divine forgiveness by faith in Jesus Christ?

Today's reading: Exodus 30:1-16 · Luke 12:35-48