{The Holy Spirit says… } “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.” – Hebrews 10:16-18
Guilty as charged. The world condemns a man and sends him to prison for life, or even to death by lethal injection. The law is a form of justice enforced on man’s acts against his fellow man. Often times these acts are so heinous that we are disgusted by the details and there is that part inside of us that agrees with and even demands restitution for his crimes, by the taking of his life. In the last few weeks there have been a few death sentences enforced (one in Texas and one in Georgia) and many would argue unjustly, while others would argue completely the opposite. So, can God’s love and grace save a man’s soul, even if he has committed capital murder?An age old argument continues to this very day around the depth of God’s love and grace. In the ancient Jewish culture, the sins of the family were forgiven once a year when the father of the family would bring the prize lamb to be sacrificed. In Hebrews 10:4, we are told that the sacrifice of bulls and lambs are no longer sufficient to take away the sins of man. Jesus Christ came to become the sacrifice for all mankind and for all sin, once and for all. He sits at the right hand of God, complete in His action of offering Himself as the final sacrifice for the world.
A new covenant was formed with mankind at the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A covenant that would last for all time, that by His blood our sins are forgiven, and by His grace we are accepted into heaven. Not because we deserve it, because not one of us do, but because He is giving it to us. Christ’s blood was shed to redeem all mankind’s sins, not some but all. Therefore, we are all capable of obtaining His grace. It is offered once and for all to everyone, yes – even those on death row.
The confusion that is circling the world today is the fallacy that sinning is okay, because it is forgiven. Sinning is not okay. The Holy Spirit that dwells within the hearts of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, is indeed a part of the Holy Trinity with God Almighty. If God detests sinful acts, then how can it be justified that a person who has accepted Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit would even contemplate sinful actions? Certainly sin abounds in this world and we are not removed from it, but to seek it out intentionally is completely against the will of God’s righteousness for you.
God’s grace is abundant to those that seek Him and His righteousness. Their sins are washed away and forgotten. God abides within the heart of His children and they abide in Him for all of eternity. Jesus tells the woman caught in adultery “Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11) and this should be the advice each of us take with us throughout our day.
Heavenly Father,
Your grace is abundant and ever present. We are washed over in redemption from the blood of Your Son – Jesus Christ – the lamb of God. Help us to live within Your covenant and resist the temptations of this life that would cause us unrighteousness against You. Strengthen us to live within the guidance of Your Holy Spirit and dwell in Your mercy and grace for as long as You give us life. Let other’s see Your love and glory through my actions today. In Jesus name we pray – Amen.
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