October 22, 2012

Walking Worthy – Freedom in Forgiveness

Last week the Scriptures encouraged us to joyfully give thanks to the Father for the blessed inheritance we receive when Christ delivered us from the domain of darkness. This week we will take a closer look at what Jesus did on the cross and how this gift enables us to walk worthy.

“[Christ] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:14

Let’s look at two words in this verse more closely to give us a better understanding of what Christ did for us.

Redemption – apolytrosis – ransom in full, deliverance, a releasing effected by payment of ransom, liberation procured by the payment of a ransom.

Forgiveness – aphesis – freedom, pardon, deliverance, release from bondage or imprisonment, pardon of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty.

The commonality in both of these definitions is deliverance, liberation and freedom. Because of Christ’s work on the cross, when we accept His free gift of love, we can walk in complete freedom as though we had never committed the sins for which we are being pardoned!

Read Ephesians 1:7-10.

At the end of verse 8 in the Ephesians passage, we see the phrase, “according to the riches of his grace.” God lavishly extended His grace to us on the cross as “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

So, what is this grace? The Greek word for grace in this passage is charis. It means graciousness, the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life, favor, a gift. The forgiveness we received from Jesus was completely free and affords us complete freedom! Furthermore, this grace influences us and empowers us to reflect Jesus and walk worthy.

Have you accepted this free gift? Do you know someone who needs this gift? If God lays someone on your heart today, we challenge you to forward this to them. Share this gift with others so they, like you, can walk in the light of our glorious Jesus.

Speaking of forgiveness, is there someone you need to forgive today? Perhaps someone has hurt you. Will you grant them forgiveness or pardon (letting it go as if it had never been committed)? Not only will you help the recipient of this forgiveness walk in freedom, you too will experience freedom from the burden of an unforgiving heart. It’s all part of walking worthy, sisters! Forgive as Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). Let God’s grace be reflected in your life!

Blessings,

The Women’s Ministry