Total forgiveness

Tuesday, March 22nd
Total forgiveness.

“Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. On that day widespread persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem. Most believers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen as they mourned loudly for him. Saul tried to destroy the church. He dragged men and women out of one home after another and threw them into prison.” Acts 8:1-3(GW)

Saul we see from our opening scripture was one of the main enemies of the Church. He tried to destroy the Church; he approved of the death of Stephen and imprisoned many Christians. These were some of the outrageous things that Saul, who later was called Paul the Apostle, did to the Church. This was in his past.

From the day he had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus where he was also going to persecute Christians, all his sins, including all the havoc he caused the Church or Christians were completely forgiven by Jesus. This truth became obvious when the Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision sending him to Saul. The Lord said to Ananias in Acts 9:11(GW), “…"Get up! Go to Judas' house on Straight Street, and ask for a man named Saul from the City of Tarsus. He's praying.”

Ananias replied in Acts 9:13-14(GW), “… "Lord, I've heard a lot of people tell about the many evil things this man has done to your people in Jerusalem. Saul has come here to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to put anyone who calls on your name in prison."” The answer of Jesus in Acts 9:15(MSG) shows us that Jesus had already forgiven Saul of his sins. He said, “…Don't argue. Go! I have picked him as my personal representative to Gentiles and kings and Jews.”

Just as Jesus forgave Saul, picked him as His personal representative and chose not to remember his sins anymore even when Ananias tried to remind Him, Jesus will never remember your sins anymore after He forgives you.

Prayer.
 Dear Father, I thank you for the great love with which you have loved me. You have accepted me in the Beloved and completely forgiven me of all my sins. Thank You for making me Your own; the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. To you belong all praise and glory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

For further study, read:
Galatians 1:11-16, 1Timothy 1:12-14,
2 Timothy 1:9.

Doing the Word
Thank Him for calling you by His grace.