Sunday, August 6, 2023
“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin” (Romans 4:6-8 KJV).
What is this “blessedness?” How can we have it?
“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man [the Lord Jesus Christ] is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38,39). As Paul preached in the synagogue of Antioch of Pisidia so long ago, God is currently offering forgiveness of sins by faith in Christ without religious works of any kind.
Through Paul’s Gospel, we can receive “forgiveness of sins” (see his grace commission of Acts 26:18). To “forgive” means “to clear the debt or send away the offense.” In fact, the Greek word translated “forgiveness” is related to that which is rendered “sent away” in Matthew 13:36 and Mark 4:36. What is Paul’s Gospel, the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24)? “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).
Dear friends, as long as we attempt to fill the God-shaped void in our heart and life with someone or something other than the God of the Bible, the blessedness of forgiveness will ever elude us. No water baptism, no tithing, no rites, no prayers, no theological studies, no ceremonies, no promises, no pilgrimages, no confessions, no rituals, no commandment-keeping, no turning over a new leaf, no traditions, no experiences, no distribution of denominational literature, no lucrative business deals, no drugs, no alcoholic beverages, no illicit sexual activities, no followers on social media, no education, no partying, no foreign trips, and no job promotions can ever replace the joy of total, permanent forgiveness of all our sins through Jesus Christ’s perfect shed blood. Please see Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 1:14, Colossians 2:13, and Colossians 3:13 for more information!
Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂
333 Words of Grace 