Do you ever long for the sense of the forgiveness of sins? I speak to you who are really in earnest in the matter, you who are conscious that you have sins, great and manifold; you who sigh and long for the sense of being unburdened of the load.
Before the cross, the consciousness of the forgiveness of sins was a blessing yet to come. Now every Christian ought to know that present forgiveness of sins is his joyful portion—not something to be enjoyed in the future, but now.
The Apostle John says, "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake." 1 John 2:1212I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. (1 John 2:12). They did not have to wait for this at some future moment. John addresses them because their sins are forgiven. What rest for the soul when God the Father can instruct His children because He has forgiven their sins for His name's sake!
Until the cross of Christ forgiveness of sins was looked forward to. How could it be a promise anymore, now that Jesus has borne them in His own body on the tree, and put them away? Hence when Jesus died and rose, the announcement went forth, not that forgiveness of sins was now promised, but: "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Acts 13:3838Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: (Acts 13:38).
Has my reader believed God and accepted forgiveness of sins as his present portion? Or is he taking the ground that although he believes in Jesus, his sins are not forgiven—that they have not been put away? How dishonoring to Christ's finished work!
"Without shedding of blood is no remission." Heb. 9:2222And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus' blood has been shed, and God's righteous claims against poor sinners have been met. He has declared His satisfaction by raising up Jesus from the dead and putting Him at His own right hand in heaven.
His claims are all satisfied in the perfect work of Calvary. His testimony by the Holy Ghost to us is, "their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." Heb. 10:1717And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 10:17). Sweet and glorious news for the poor burdened heart! Now faith can say, "They are remembered no more," and the soul can rest in this assuring testimony of God.
I pray you then, dear reader, be in earnest, and today accept God's salvation, if you have not yet done so.