You have decided to hand over the leadership of your life to Jesus after recognizing your sins and your need for a savior. After this very important experience, a common thought that questions the veracity of your being truly forgiven often arises in the mind of the new believer. Are my sins truly forgiven? I do not feel forgiven. I have really done many grievous things; can they all be forgiven? Don’t I need to do something more to earn my total forgiveness? You are not the first to have these thoughts. In this article, I would share four reasons why you can be sure you are completely forgiven.
First and most importantly, God says you have been forgiven, and you need to take Him at His Word. What God has said is the most reliable proof of being forgiven. Read 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” There is a condition precedent, and when it is fulfilled, the second part will happen. If we confess our sins, He can be relied upon to forgive and cleanse.
Second, the experience of people as described in the Bible. If one were to rank those who hated Jesus, I am sure that a man called Saul of Tarsus would be in the race for top position. He was not satisfied with jailing and killing followers of Jesus in his own community but, at his own expense, he applied for letters to go around the world killing and arresting Christ followers. This same person, through a series of events, asked for forgiveness and was forgiven. On the cross, while breathing his last few feeble breaths, a man who had lived a life of crime asked for and received forgiveness. God said, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isaiah 1:18). Think about the evilest act that a person can commit; God says He is ready to forgive.
Thirdly, in contemporary times, the experience of people who received forgiveness also abounds. Kayode Williams was an armed robber in the 1970s. His gang had attained legendary status because of their escapades in the world of crime and their mastery in the use of weapons. Their names struck fear in the hearts of law enforcement. One day, he narrowly escaped death, realized he would have been sent to eternal damnation, and, while serving a 10-year jail term, asked for forgiveness of his sins. Today, he testifies of the mercy of God, that God really does forgive sins.
Finally, I have experienced His forgiveness also. I was lost in sin on a constant drift farther away from God. One day in 1986, I realized my need for a savior and took the decision to repent and ask for mercy and forgiveness, and God forgave me. You know the biggest lesson in forgiveness I have learned? Even since then, I have not become perfect, but still, I see God forgiving me when I disappoint Him. Like a father, He keeps forgiving and helping me to be a better version of myself each day
If you feel the stirring in your heart to draw nearer to God, you can respond with this simple prayer:
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner and in need of Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again to give me new life. I surrender my heart to You and ask You to be my Lord and Savior. Draw me nearer to You and help me live according to Your will. Amen.
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