Hebrews 6
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
This scripture shows us some of the basic or fundamental principles of Christianity.
1) Repentance and forgiveness. 2) Faith in God 3) Baptisms 4) The laying on of hands 5) The resurrection of the dead 6) Eternal judgement 7) Moving on….
Repentance
The literal meaning of repent is “to turn back”. Re = back or again, Pent (greek pentos) = to turn. Some dictionary meanings are;
To change the mind, or the course of conduct, on account of regret or dissatisfaction or To be sorry for sin as morally evil, and to seek forgiveness; to cease to love and practice sin.
Matthew 11:20 Matthew 3:2 Jesus and the disciples preached; “Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near”
In other words; cease to love and practice sin, for the kingdom of heaven is near.
2 Cor 7:10, Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Acts 3:19 Luke 24:47 Acts 2:38
How do I repent.
See the error (revelation of the word). Admit you are wrong (confess and ask forgiveness). Stop doing it (application of the word).
Forgiveness
Dictionary meaning;
1. to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.
2. to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.).
3. to grant pardon to (a person).
4. to cease to feel resentment against: to forgive one's enemies.
5. to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: to forgive the interest owed on a loan.
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
Jerimiah 31;34
We have all heard of “Forgive and forget”. It is also Gods way to restore and heal.
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
James 5:15-16 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
I have heard it said that it is hard to forgive, that may be so, if you rely on your feelings or have a desire of revenge or hold a grudge.
The truth is, it is easy to forgive, it is an act of faith, a choice and not a feeling.
In the Lords prayer we say “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”.
How can we hold a transgression against another person when God has forgiven our many transgressions and even released us from the bondage to the nature of sin? He has accepted us as sinless, in equal standing with Christ.
How dare we
The scripture says in Mark 11:25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. And in "Matthew 6:14 "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Forgiveness is expected of us and is an attitude of the heart.
So how do I forgive someone.
1) As an act of faith; tell them that you forgive them, say it out loud, pray for them.
2) As an attitude of the heart; decide not to hold a grudge or hate the person, remember God forgave you, ask him to deal with any ill feelings and to take away the hurt.
Here is a sample prayer of forgiveness.
Father, I forgive (name) for the sin he committed against me.
He owes me nothing and I hold nothing against him.
I pray that you forgive him and set us free of any hurt or resentment.
I decide to love (name) and pray for complete restoration (healing, deliverance, salvation)
I have found that when I pray in this way that God will bring about the forgiveness, heal the feelings restore the relationship and cause the sin to be forgotten.
The other side of the coin.
Unforgivness opens the door to all kinds of nasty’s, ie; resentment, bitterness, hatred, sickness, disease, poverty, wretchedness and eventually Death.
So lets lock the door on the devil.
FORGIVE AND LIVE, KIDS…
