We left off part 1 with this question? "Can I really expect to receive forgiveness of all my sins?"
Ephesians 1:7. “In whom we have (past tense again) redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace”
Colossians 1:14. Just in case you didn’t hear Paul the first time. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”
Romans 6:4-6.
4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
You were buried with him by baptism into death. You’re dead, dead, dead, dead, dead, dead, dead. A dead person cannot sin. Remember in Romans 3:25 it said “because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins”.
So, at the cross you were crucified with Christ and your old nature died. You’re dead. Then the blood of Jesus gave you new life. That’s coming up in verse 5. So first He kills you, then He raises you up. He gets rid of all your old sin that was there in your old life, and then sets you free from sin in your new life. That’s in verse 6.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Not only did we share in His death, but we certainly shall be united with Him in a resurrection just like His. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in each of us that believe.
6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
Did you know this? Did you know that our old self, old man, old nature was crucified with Him? It had to be that way so that the body of sin might be brought to nothing. It’s the only way we could be set free from the slavery and bondage to sin. It's answers the question posed by that old Christian song - "Were you there when they crucified our Lord?" The answer is YES.
Romans 6:10,11. Consider or “think of” yourselves dead to sin.
Romans 6:14, then 17,18. Study these verses. You’ll see we are no longer slaves to sin, but now we are slaves or servants to righteousness. That should be enough to answer your question “Can I really expect to receive forgiveness of all my sins”?
Finally. The verse that ties all of this together and answers the last question “What do I have to do in order to get right with God”? It is one of my favorite set of scriptures and Paul does a masterful job listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit to write what I believe captures the entire essence of a free life in Christ. Here it is….Romans 5:17-19
17 “For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.”
Study this carefully. Again, it’s the little words that bring revelation. Notice how it starts out. It’s the word “if”. “For if….” So the Holy Spirit says through Paul to us, “Paul, lets write this and let the people consider for just a moment that if one man’s trespass brought death to reign. Just consider that and lets say that’s true. Then know for sure that “much more than what that one man did by bringing death to reign, there is another man, a much more life-giving man named Jesus who provided a way for those who will receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness to reign in life through Him”.
Now I put that paraphrase in quotes not because the Holy Spirit spoke them in scripture to Paul, but because that’s what He spoke to me to write for all of us regarding this truth. So He says “For if”, just consider and then He says we will reign through receiving. Also, don’t lose sight of the truth that it is not just grace we get to receive. It’s abundant grace.
I said it earlier. Remember Romans 5:20. “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” I said I wanted the much more and God promises in scripture that it’s available not just in measure, but in abundance. That means it never runs out. Is there really enough grace? YES!!!
18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
Here the Holy Spirit says “Okay Paul. We posed the possibility of one man bringing sin into reign over all and let the people consider that, but we don’t want them to dwell on it very long. Let’s put the lid on this thing and tell it like it truly is. One man’s offense and disobedience did indeed make many sinners, but that’s only half the story. The good, great, almost too good to be true rest of the story is that one man, Christ Jesus’ obedience to the cross made many righteous”. Yes, it was one man’s sin, but remember the greater truth is that it was one man’s righteousness and obedience.
So, the answer to the question “What do I have to do in order to get right with God” is found easily in verse 17. Receive all that He has for you. It’s abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. You can’t earn a gift. A gift is given.
Actually, the answer to all four questions we studied is wrapped up in Romans 5:17-21, but there’s more than enough truth in this study to provide anyone with a good sermon on the great grace of God. So take this and use it as you see fit. It’s a revelation that must be shared and not kept to yourself.
Close with this. Matthew 10:7,8.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
People say "God, should I marry this man or this woman"? God says, "Do you want to marry this man or this woman?" The person says "yes". So God says "Okay, marry the man or the woman, then Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
People say "God, should we buy that new car"? God says, "Do you want to buy that new car"? The person says "yes". God says, "Okay, buy the new car, then Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Are you getting the point? We seek God's will in many everyday life occurances, but ignore His stated will of Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Don't hear what I'm not saying. Always converse with the Holy Spirit about things in your life, but don't assume God's silence on a matter means NO. If God is silent on a matter, don't put words in His mouth. That's the worst thing you can do. If you get a check in your Spirit about a purchase, relationship, friendship, business deal, or anything else, then wait until the matter brings you peace. In the meantime, believe in Him whom He hath sent. Grace and Peace.
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