You Are Forgiven!

Sermon: You Are Forgiven!

Scripture:

Hymn: #163 - “At the Cross”

Closing Hymn: #184 - “Jesus Paid It All”

INTRODUCTION

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a community of believers from diverse countries, cultures, languages, and ethnic groups. The church sees its mission as taking the "everlasting gospel" of Jesus to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people ().

We have a biblical mandate to be separate from the fallen system of Babylon as described in which says “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.”

Racism is all its facets is part of this fallen system of Babylon and followers of Christ should have no part in it. As Christians we are calling people out racism and into the Kingdom of God which accepts and celebrates the diversity of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people ().

The DIVERSITY or ETHNIC challenge to the Adventist church is not to build separate churches to serve various ethnic groups, but to bring all ethnic groups under the overarching imperative of Christian proclamation and mission. Where the church is so intentionally united, there arises the motivation for evangelism and discipleship.

In order to be truly UNITED we must be able to recognize what DIVIDES us.

In order to foster UNITY we must be willing to confront the ugly issues of Sin that perpetuate our DIVISIONS.

There are a number of reasons why we are not united as we should be and racism is a big one.

Racism has caused a lot of past, present and unfortunately will cause future hurts.

The bible offers a remedy!

BODY

(NKJV)

Not Carnality but Christ

3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Character of the New Man

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

[INSIGHTS]

KAPHAR

The original meaning of this word is "to cover," "to cover over," or "to overspread."

Hebrew Old Testament, kaphar is translated "to atone" or "to make atonement."

It is interesting to notice that the cover of the ark, the mercy seat, as it is described in and , is the noun kapporeth derived from kaphar.

English Bible kaphar is translated "purge."

Psalm '79:9 is an il­lustration of this: "Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away [kaphar} our sins, for thy name's sake." When the words "purge away" are given as the translation of kaphar, then it is suggested that the "making atonement" is strongly connected with "purging sins."

kaphar is also trans­lated "be merciful," "put off," "be pacified," or "pardon."

NAGA'

Naga' and its derivatives meaning of this verb is first "the lifting up; secondly, the carrying; and thirdly, the taking away of a burden." "

The three basic ideas of naga' are illus­trated by the following verses:

. "I lift up [flak']

. "carried [nage] or to carry [flake].

. "take you away [nave] "

It is interesting to notice that naga' is one of the Hebrew words also used to repre­sent acceptance. ().

When the idea "forgiveness" is expressed by naga' then the three basic meanings of this Hebrew word are interpreting in an expressive way one aspect of the doctrine of forgiveness. Naga' stands for the "lifting up" of the burden of sin. Christ is "bear­ing" it, and in this way it is "taken away."

SALACH

Salach and its derivatives root is translated "forgive," "forgive­ness," "spare," and "pardon." "The primary idea seems to be that of lightness, lifting up."'

Salach is used it expresses the divine pardon extended to the sinner.

The Hebrew word salach, is used only to express the divine favor and pardon toward a sinner. Divine forgiveness is expressed as a gift.

“Forgiveness, reconciliation with God, comes to us, not as a reward for our works, it is not bestowed because of the merit of sinful men, but it is a gift unto us, having in the spotless righteousness of Christ its foundation for bestowal."

Hebrew word kaphar, has a close con­nection and conception between forgiveness and justification.

In the it says, "But He[ God], being full of com­passion, forgave [kaphar] their iniquity, and destroyed them not."

Literally this verse says, "But he, being full of compassion, covered their iniquity."

The idea that sin can be covered does not seem strange to the writers of the New Testament. The apostle Peter says, "Love covers up a mass of sins. (," "

Only the covering which Christ Himself has pro­vided can make us meet to appear in God's presence. This covering, the robe of His own righteousness, Christ will put upon every repenting, believing soul. . . . Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us. . . . Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf garment, not the naked­ness and deformity of sin, but His own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah."

When a person's sins are forgiven, then it implies that he stands covered by the righteousness of Christ and is in the eyes of God justified.

YOU ARE FORGIVEN!

kaphar points to a synonymous conception of for­giveness and justification, it also suggests a close connection between forgiveness and atonement.

The Hebrew word naga' suggests a broad conception of the doctrine of forgiveness, namely the actual reclaiming from sin.

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." . God's forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin, but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeem­ing love that transforms the heart. David had the true conception of forgiveness when he prayed, "Create in me a clean heart, 0 God; and renew a right spirit within me." . And again he says, "As far as the east is from the west, so far bath He removed our transgressions from us?' ?

In the Psalms, David prays: "Forgive [naal all my sins." The Hebrew word naga' is also one of the words used to con­vey the truth of acceptance by God.

“David's repentance was sincere and deep. There was no effort to palliate his crime. No desire to escape the judgments threatened, inspired his prayer. But he saw the enormity of his transgression against God; he saw the defilement of his soul; he loathed his sin. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of heart. David did not in despair give over the struggle. In the promises of God to repentant sinners, he saw the evidence of his par­don and acceptance. (White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 725.)

Character of the New Man

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

[INSIGHTS]

YOU ARE FORGIVEN!

As a gift from God, not as a reward!

We are forgiven not because we choose to confess;

We are forgiven because of the worthiness of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary.

We are forgiven not because of our for confession but because of our acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins.

Because we are forgiven by the unmerited grace of God we now live lives of forgiveness, based on forgiveness.

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.” [a lifestyle] (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

(Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We live a lifestyle of forgiveness not based on people confessing to us but based on offering the same unmerited Grace forgiveness that Christ has given to us.

Our confession of sin is actually our acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice and gift of forgiveness.

YOU ARE FORGIVEN!

not because we confess,

not because we are holy,

not because we are sincere,

but because Jesus Christ, the Lamb is Pure.

YOU ARE FORGIVEN!

Of our sins,

From all unrighteousness,

From all known and unknown sins

not because we are worthy

but because Jesus Christ is Worthy.

YOU ARE FORGIVEN!

Once we understand that we are forgiven as a gift from Jesus Christ; won’t fear asking for it but openly accept it.

Once we understand how and why we are forgiven we won’t hesitate to offer it to others who harm us.

YOU ARE FORGIVEN!

Only forgiven people, know how to extend forgiveness.

The following is what biblical forgiveness is not:

1. Biblical forgiveness is not absence of anger. The Bible includes many passages where the emotion of anger is acknowledged and expressed. is especially helpful, as it describes not only the anger of the psalmist but also the depressive-like symptoms that accompany such anger.

2. Biblical forgiveness is not absence of consequences. This is a major concern to those who have been injured or traumatized. “Thou answeredst them, O Lord our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions” (, KJV). If biblical forgiveness is not the absence of anger or consequence, then what is it?

FORGIVENESS

1. Biblical forgiveness is allowing God to be in control of the consequences. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (, KJV).

2. Biblical forgiveness is avoiding our natural negative response and deliberately choosing a positive response. “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men” (, KJV).

3. Biblical forgiveness calls for blessing and praying for those who have injured us. “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (, KJV).

4. Biblical forgiveness calls us to not rejoice but, rather, to grieve when those against us stumble and fall. “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth” (, KJV).

5. Biblical forgiveness leads us to love and pray for those who have traumatized us. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (, KJV).

6. Biblical forgiveness calls upon believers to seek to live in peace with those who have wronged them. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (, KJV).

7. Biblical forgiveness motivates us to come to the assistance of our enemies when they experience practical difficulties. “If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again” (, KJV).

8. Biblical forgiveness is following God’s example of forgiveness. “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses” (, KJV).

UNFORGIVENESS IN YOUR HEART IS AN OPEN REJECTION TO THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS JESUS PROVIDES.

14 But above all these things put on LOVE, which is the bond of perfection.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

“There is no person, no nation, that is perfect in every habit and thought. One must learn of another. Therefore God wants the different nationalities to mingle together, to be one in judgment, one in purpose. Then the union that there is in Christ will be exemplified.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 180.3 (Ellen G. White)

“All who are imbued with His Spirit will love as He loved. When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest, but by love, they show the working of an influence that is above every human influence. Where this oneness exists, it is evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity…This love, manifested in the church, will surely stir the wrath of Satan.” DA 677, 678

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

APPEAL

7 Love forgives everything. Love is always trusting, and always hoping, and never gives up.

(NKJV)

9 He who covers a transgression seeks love,

But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

Closing Hymn: #184 - “Jesus Paid It All”

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Forgiveness

Forgiveness. Ceasing to feel resentment for wrongs and offenses; pardon, involving restoration of broken relationships. Primarily, forgiveness is an act of God, releasing sinners from judgment and freeing them from the divine penalty of their sin. Since only God is holy, only God can forgive sin (Mk 2:7; Lk 5:21). Forgiveness is also a human act toward one’s neighbor, given new incentive and emphasis in the NT because of God’s forgiveness in the death of Christ.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Expressions of Forgiveness in the OT

The Hebrew word kapar is commonly used of atonement, meaning “to cover up,” as the sacrifice was offered to cover the deficiency of the worshiper (Ex 29:36; Dt 21:8; Jer 18:23; Ez 43:20; 45:20). Cognates of salah always refer to God’s act of forgiveness (Nm 30:5, 8, 12; Pss 86:5; 130:4; Dn 9:9). God lets go of the transgression; he removes it. Another expression is maha, to “wipe away” (Ps 51:1, 7; Is 43:25; 44:22).

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Expressions of Forgiveness in the OT

The dynamic of forgiveness in the OT is thus releasing one from the past. The past acts and deeds of sin are not denied, but there is no longer any bondage. Forgiveness brings freedom.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Forgiveness in the NT

Forgiveness in the NT. In the NT, the concept of the unmerited forgiveness of God is extended, intensified by the death of Christ, offered on our behalf. The human creature is an insolvent debtor (Mt 18:23–35) who has no hope of repayment. Sinners all, we cannot keep the Law or save ourselves (Mk 10:26, 27). This highlights the NT teaching that it is in the person of Christ himself that there is forgiveness. He alone has the power to forgive sins (Mk 2:5, 7, 10). It is his death that is redemptive (Mt 26:28; Mk 10:45) and his blood that is the basis of a new covenant (1 Cor 11:25). It is through him that one can enter into the living experience of forgiveness (Heb 9:15, 22). So forgiveness is inseparable from the proclamation of Jesus Christ (Acts 13:38; Eph 1:7; Col 1:14; 1 Jn 2:12).

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Forgiveness in the NT

There are other distinctively NT concepts of forgiveness. The Greek word charizomai, meaning “to forgive sins,” is distinctively developed by Paul in terms of God’s gracious pardon (2 Cor 2:7; 12:13; Eph 4:32; Col 2:13; 3:13). Sin is considered as a debt, and aphesis denotes the discharge of a debt (“putting it away,” Lk 6:37). Forgiveness is also treated as remission, paresis, (“passing over”). God has not executed the full retribution called for by sin (Acts 14:16; 17:30); instead, he has shown mercy.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Forgiveness in the NT

The ethics of forgiveness in the NT insists not only on penitence as a condition for forgiveness (2 Cor 7:10), but also on the need to forgive others (Mt 6:14, 15). If in the midst of receiving forgiveness one does not forgive others, it is a clear sign that repentance is not complete. “As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Col 3:13). Several times in his parables, the Lord insists that the readiness to forgive others is a sign of true repentance (Mt 18:23–35; Lk 6:37). So Christ taught that to forgive is a duty, and no limits can be set on it. It must be granted without reserve, even to seventy times seven (Mt 18:21, 22). Forgiveness is part of the mutual relationship of believers: since all are dependent upon God’s forgiveness, all are required to forgive one another.