Saturday, August 4, 2012

August 5, 2012

"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." Psalm 32:1

Forgiveness is a blessing!

Blessing equals happiness - spiritual happiness that is.

What has become a blessing to you is the result of Jesus becoming cursed for you upon the cross on Golgotha.

You are blessed because your sins were covered. Covered by what? Covered by His blood that He shed on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins.

To see the awfulness of sin you must look upon Jesus on the cross. His beaten and bruised body hung crucified by the Romans even though everyone knew He was innocent. With large nails pounded through His hands and His feet while the weight on His body pulled against them.

In unimaginable agony His life ebbed out of Him while onlookers heaped scorn and insults upon Him. But in the midst of that He called out for His Father to forgive them as He was dying to provide forgiveness for you.

Sin is a terrible thing!

And yet, at the same time that hideous misjustice was being carried out the beauty of forgiveness could be seen. The glory of a God Who would sacrifice His Own Son to atone for those who had rebelled against Him. And the obedient love of a Son Who would willingly suffer to make forgiveness possible for you and for me.

At the very same time and place the ugliness of sin and the beauty of grace transpired. When I think of the irony of it I am reminded of the words from the great hymn, "When I Survey the Wonderous Cross."

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

This is what I mean when I say, "Forgiveness is SO good because sin is So bad."

Jesus' death atoned for your guilt and His blood covered your sins!

Your best moment resulted from His worst moment!

Have you received the blessing of His forgiveness?