For the 6th Sunday after Pentecost in Series B, the readings are Amos 7:7-15; Ephesians 1:3-14 and Mark 6:14-29. Chosen to preach on is Ephesians 1:7, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins…”
As I travel around the country on weekends during L&G seminars (see www.lawgospel.com under Seminars for more info), I have found it interesting how few Christians are able to explain the word “forgiveness.” Part of the reason is that secular dictionary interpretations of the word is not in keeing with how God thinks which is one purpose in preaching and teachings Bible classes. As a teacher in training you need to understand how best to explain what forgiveness means.
Are proper synonyms for “forgivenss” the words pardon, clemency, amnesty and exoneration? No. If forgiveness meant “pardon” it simply would excuse your offense without exacting a penalty. If forgiveness meant “clemency”, it would mean a lessening of the penalty without forgiving the crime. If forgiveness meant “amnesty” it would mean that now you are regarded as an innocent peson and, of course, you are not. If forgivness meant “exoneration” that would mean that you have been found to be innocent of the charge.
Well then, how does God think in regard to forgiveness? Our text helps us as verse 7 reveals that “the forgiveness of sins” is defined as “redemption through His blood.” The word “redemption” refers to the buying a slave his freedom. In a recent visit to a state prison, in a sermon I asked over 120 prisoners what it would mean practically if the warden told each of them that he was forgiven. To a man they agreed it would mean that they would be free to walk away from the prison. I then asked if they would still be guilty of the crime and they agreed that they would.
Those prisoners understood that “forgiveness of sins” does not mean that you are no longer guilty or responsible or sinful or whatever. What it does mean is that God no longer holds you accountable for your sins! That is what Christ did on the cross for you. He became your substitute and took upon Himself the punishment you and I deserved with the words, “My God, My God, what have You forsaken Me?”
I am convinced that the majority of Christians who have perfect faith in the heart of what forgiveness is have not had their heads caught up with their hearts. That is where sermons, Bible studies and Christian witnessing comes in through using the Word of God to help them think as does God. And Ephesians 1:7 is a beautiful passage in order to bring hearts up to the head.
Name:Tom Baker