DAILY DEVOTION, May 17, 2021

The next petition finds us once again asking God to meet a need in us. There is something we need far more than daily bread. We need to find forgiveness. We pray, “Forgive us our debts.” A debt is something you owe.  What is it that we owe to God? We owe Him a life of complete obedience.  Our obedience, however, is not adequate. We fall far short of the divine expectation, leaving us with a debt we cannot possibly pay. On what basis can we say to God, “Forgive us our debts?” In the light of the full New Testament revelation, we know that God’s forgiveness is based on the vicarious suffering and death of His Son, Jesus. When we come to the Father with repentance in our hearts, truly sorry that we have offended Him, and add to that our faith in Jesus, believing that He atoned for our sins, the debt we owe is discharged.

What joy floods our souls when we realize that God forgives us based on the sacrifice of Jesus! John writes this: He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). Jesus atoned for the sins of the world.  That means there is forgiveness for all. However, for that forgiveness to be active in our souls we must also be reconciled to God. We read in Acts 20:21: I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. God’s forgiveness will not benefit the person who will not turn to God with repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The entire human race stands under the umbrella of God’s forgiveness, but in order to enter into a relationship with God and receive the blessing of eternal life there must be repentance and faith.

When you pray the Lord’s Prayer, you are saying to God, “Father, I am truly sorry for offending you.  Please forgive me for Jesus’ sake.” There is forgiveness for all. Have you received it?

Father in heaven, how can we ever thank You for what You have done for us? You have taken away our sins, providing complete pardon for us. We are without hope unless You act on our behalf. Thank You for not turning away from us, but for reaching out to us with Your love and forgiveness. We pray in the name of our crucified and risen Savior, Jesus, Amen.