1 John 1:8-10

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. NKJV

In the ministry, you will find what holds people up the most is not financial limitations, physical issues with their bodies, or lack of having time.  The biggest detractor for our future is our past.  If you have been born, then you have a past.  Thousands, more like millions, of people are held up by what happened to them, what they did, or some thought from their past.  That guilt from sexual activity outside of marriage, abuse they endured as a child, or those harsh words that the boss, friend or relative said that tore their heart or even motivation.

We have all done ignorant and outright stupid things.  We have let the emotions of the time loose and said or done something that we regretted later.  Unbelievers have no way to get free from the past.  They will forever be burdened with the memories of past events or actions.  However, if only you believe and trust God, He has something better for you.  God has forgiveness.  How do we get free from our pasts and wash ourselves clean of our mistakes and shortcomings (sin)?

Forgiveness, like salvation, all comes down to faith.  If you want to be forgiven, you grab the promise of 1 John 1:8,9 and do two things.

1) Repent- Acknowledge your wrong and that you never want to do it again

2) Confess your sin (say it out) to God and by the blood of Yashu receive His forgiveness.

That is all there is to it.  It is very easy, but it is something you have to do by faith.  We know the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin (John 16:8).  However, He does not condemn(Romans 8:1).  When you sin, the enemy will come and condemn you.  It is very easy to discern the conviction from condemnation.  The enemy is led by one fallen angel but is usually some condemning demon spirit that says to you, ‘You aren’t really forgiven”, “You can’t expect what you did to be forgotten”, or “What you’ve done is too bad to be forgiven, you will have it the rest of your life”.

You must stand against the enemy and receive your forgiveness just like you received your salvation. .. by saying in faith.  Faith is speaking.  When I screw up, I repent, and ask God for forgiveness, and say by faith, “Thank you God for your forgiveness, I receive it now”.  Every time an idea or thought comes up that I am not forgiven, I say, “I thank you Father that I am forgiven and I turned from that sin and am clean by the blood of Yashua that cleanses me”.

Don’t think that forgiveness is a feeling.  Forgiveness is an act of faith.

…the just shall live by his faith. Hab 2:4NKJV

You are the just if you are living by faith: Start living and forgiving yourself and others by faith.

Faith Buiders- © 2009, Ps. Spencer Patrick- Victory Word Church- http://www.victoryword.org

Posted on 23 November, 2009