The Blessing of Forgiveness

Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

The Christian life is a life of continual blessings, though it also contains many experiences in life's difficulties. The believer is blessed by God’s provisions in the past and offered hope through God’s promised future provisions. Psalm 68:19 proclaims that the Lord “daily loadeth us with benefits.” These benefits include both spiritual and physical blessings of salvation, answered prayers, good health, and family. However, David specifically described the blessedness of a man imputed righteousness apart from his works. Our passage records his words as he proclaimed, “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven.” Though forgiven of past, present, and future sin, man's capacity for sinning remains unabated within his natural body. Every faithful Bible student knows never to minimize forgiveness of one's sin as one of the greatest blessings of all!

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Name some things that dad and mom do for you on a daily basis. We disappoint them when we don't act right and refuse to do what we're told. Yet, no matter our failings, they keep on doing wonderful things for us. God is good to us even though we don't deserve it.

• (For everyone): Imagine owing someone a large debt. What if that person came to you and told you the debt was forgiven. How would you react to such news? How have you received the news that your sins have been forgiven?

• How often do you thank God for the benefits that He loads upon you? Are you truly grateful for His provision of forgiveness? Do you know the blessings of having your sins forgiven?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

• Ask God to remind you of His goodness in forgiving your debt of sin.

• Ask the Lord to help you to be grateful for His benefits.

SONG: Saved by the Blood (Henderson)

Pastor Andrew Ray

Devotions on Forgiveness