Introduction

Good morning, brothers and sisters, and welcome. Today, we’re going to dive into a topic that touches all of us, no matter where we are in our walk with God - the subject of forgiveness. Not just the promise that God offers us forgiveness, but the power that forgiveness brings and the freedom it offers. The great Christian author and preacher, Charles Spurgeon, once said, "To be forgiven is such sweetness that honey is tasteless in comparison with it. But yet there's one thing sweeter still, and that is to forgive."

The Promise of Forgiveness

The promise of forgiveness is the assurance that no matter how far we have strayed, no matter how deeply we have fallen into sin, there is a way back to God. This promise is not just a theoretical concept, but a reality that we can experience and embrace in our daily lives.

The story of the woman caught in adultery, as told in the book of John, is a powerful illustration of this promise. Here was a woman, guilty and condemned by the law, standing before Jesus. The Pharisees, eager to trap Jesus, asked Him what should be done with her. According to the law of Moses, she should be stoned. But Jesus, embodying the promise of forgiveness, did not condemn her. Instead, He said, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." When no one did, He told her, "Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin."

A. This story shows us that the promise of forgiveness is not dependent on our worthiness or our ability to make amends. It is a gift, freely given by God, based on His love and mercy, not our merit. The woman did not earn Jesus' forgiveness. She did not plead her case or promise to make amends. Yet, she was forgiven. This is the promise of forgiveness – it is available to all, regardless of our past, our sins, or our failures.

B. The promise of forgiveness is also a promise of transformation. When we are forgiven, we are not just absolved of our sins; we are changed. We are given a new heart, a new spirit, and a new life. The woman caught in adultery was not just forgiven; she was given a new start. Jesus told her, "Go now and leave your life of sin." This is the transformative power of forgiveness. It does not just erase our past; it reshapes our future.

C. The promise of forgiveness is for both our and others' benefit. When we experience God's forgiveness, we are called to extend that forgiveness to others. Jesus taught us to pray, "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us." This is not just a command; it is a promise. When we forgive others, we experience the fullness of God's forgiveness in our own lives.

D. The promise of forgiveness is an ongoing process. We are not just forgiven once, but continually. Every time we sin, we can turn to God, confess our sins, and receive His forgiveness. This is the promise of 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not just about absolving someone of their wrongdoings, but it also has the power to transform lives, relationships, and even communities ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO