Moving beyond our past is something we as Christians struggle with. If we are really forgiven of our sins by our loving Saviour, why then do we dwell in a place of unworthiness? We should of course repent from our sins and acknowledge that "while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.(Romans 5:8)" But are we not only dwelling in the past but demeaning the sacrifice of our Intercessor when we act as if we are not truly forgiven of our sins? A few passages come to mind:
"Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what his heart approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats for he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin." (Romans 14:22-23)
"For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than us and knows all things." (I John 3:20)
I began to think about this after reading Hebrews 7, which talks about the need for maturity and growth. Using an athlete as an example, how many world class gymnasts are unable to do a somersault? Or how many NBA players can't do a layup? The point is, there should be signs that we are maturing in Christ, one of which is not dwelling in our sinful past but looking to the future and "coming boldly before the throne of grace" asking God to help us leave our stumbling blocks behind. We are forgiven, so please believe it (this is just as much an exhortation to my own heart)! As Jesus says, "Go, and sin no more" to the woman who was to be stoned for adultery.
Something I'm not really sure of is in Hebrews 4:7-
6:4 For it is impossible in the case of those who have once been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 6:5 tasted the good word of God and the miracles of the coming age, 6:6 and then have committed apostasy, 6 to renew them again to repentance, since 7 they are crucifying the Son of God for themselves all over again 8 and holding him up to contempt
Everything seemed fine and good and then this verse came up on me and really made me take a step back. Is this to say that repenting from one's faith in Jesus is an 'unpardonable sin' and cannot be forgiven? Not that it is territory I want to explore, but it is something we should all consider. When we fully turn from the Lord we are declaring Jesus' sacrifice as unworthy of us, and if were to change our minds we are asking Him to give his life yet again. I know that none of us here have any intention of leaving the presence of our King, but it makes me see how those who have been martyred and then repent of their faith are now no longer saved. It is not enough to believe once, but to believe FOREVER. Let not thankfulness leave our hearts, and give Glory to God for everything, that we come nowhere near this situation!
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