Do you ever feel overwhelmed by guilt over past sin(s)? You know Jesus died for your sins, but perhaps you still have trouble grasping that you are truly forgiven. Years ago I heard the story of a “conversation” between God and “Sally.” It made such an impact on me that I still remember it vividly to this day. It went something like this:
Sally: God, I feel so bad about what happened a few years ago. I just hate myself for what I did.
God: What are you talking about?
Sally: You know, God. It was that summer when I made that bad choice I will always regret. It continues to haunt me.
God: Sally, I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.
Sally: God, remember? I was dating Joe, and our relationship got more physical than we had intended; and well, one thing led to another… and I ended up getting pregnant.
God: I still don’t know what you’re talking about.
Sally: God, you have to remember! I confessed to you over and over what I had done and the decision I made to abort my child. I cried for days to you, asking you to forgive my sins. I still beat myself up over it. God, don’t you remember???
Silence… and then God spoke: “As far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your transgressions from you.” (Ps. 103:12)
“Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool.” (Is. 1:18)
“I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” (Is. 43:25)
“In Him, you have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of your trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on you.” (Eph. 1:7-8)
As we celebrate Easter this weekend, celebrate that His death and resurrection took care of your sins, once and for all. He paid the price. He doesn’t remember them. You are washed clean. Thank you, Lord.
What verse(s) would you add?
