SeniorSeeker
Active member
Sunday's Thoughts, Ephesians 4:32 (New International Version) "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
John wants his hearers, that is, faithful church members, to have absolute assurance of their salvation. He is referring back to his discussion of the topic of sin as found in 1 John 1:9 and 2:1, 2, stressing that to be a Christian means to have this forgiveness. Christians do not deny their sinfulness but have accepted salvation through Jesus Christ and, therefore, live with the assurance of being forgiven.
The crucial point is for Christians to understand that the basis of their salvation is found only in Jesus and in what Jesus has done for them. That's why John says they have been forgiven-not on the basis of their good deeds, not on the basis of their beliefs, and not even on the basis of their knowledge of God, but rather for "his name's sake"; that is, on the basis of Jesus and what He has done for them. Thus, in the midst of all John's talk about overcoming, about obedience, he keeps the emphasis before them that salvation comes only because of Jesus.
How important is it to you to know that you have forgiveness of sins? Where would you be today if you were to doubt that forgiveness? Also, why must you always remember that the basis of forgiveness is found in Jesus, not in yourself or any other human being, who lives now or has lived since time began?
"I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake" (1 John 2:12).
John wants his hearers, that is, faithful church members, to have absolute assurance of their salvation. He is referring back to his discussion of the topic of sin as found in 1 John 1:9 and 2:1, 2, stressing that to be a Christian means to have this forgiveness. Christians do not deny their sinfulness but have accepted salvation through Jesus Christ and, therefore, live with the assurance of being forgiven.
The crucial point is for Christians to understand that the basis of their salvation is found only in Jesus and in what Jesus has done for them. That's why John says they have been forgiven-not on the basis of their good deeds, not on the basis of their beliefs, and not even on the basis of their knowledge of God, but rather for "his name's sake"; that is, on the basis of Jesus and what He has done for them. Thus, in the midst of all John's talk about overcoming, about obedience, he keeps the emphasis before them that salvation comes only because of Jesus.
How important is it to you to know that you have forgiveness of sins? Where would you be today if you were to doubt that forgiveness? Also, why must you always remember that the basis of forgiveness is found in Jesus, not in yourself or any other human being, who lives now or has lived since time began?
"I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake" (1 John 2:12).
God Bless! Betty