“Faith and Forgiveness 2”
Yesterday I said, “faith and forgiveness go hand in hand.” On the cross Jesus said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Then just before He took His last breath He proclaimed, “it is finished.” Therefore Jesus was declaring the forgiveness of sin. But only when someone places their faith in Jesus will they experience and reap the benefits of forgiveness and freedom.
Over the past couple of weeks we have read the words of Jesus, Paul and John. Today we will read a passage written from James. Each writer helps us to understand the power of faith and forgiveness. Today’s scripture is powerful, I pray you will take some time to meditate and let the Spirit speak to you!
James 5:15-16
Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.
16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
When I read this passage I see James adding to our equation. James adds prayer and healing to our faith and forgiveness. He tells us in verse 15 “prayer offered in faith will heal the sick.” It will also make the one praying feel better. We know prayer is a privilege and it is powerful. The opportunity to speak to God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth is so incredible! To trust that when we come into His presence there is power, healing and forgiveness.
James also tells us, there is power and benefits when we confess our sins to one another. I am thankful we can come into the throne room of God with boldness. We no longer need a priest or anyone else to intercede for us. But when we have a close friend, another believer in which we can openly and confidently confess our sin it is freeing and powerful. The Lord tells us we can be healed. To confess our sins take courage and humility but God tells us, it is worth it!
The last part of these verses is not only powerful it is such an encouraging word. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. This is where I see the enemy attacking so many times. He will attempt to make every believer doubt their identity in Christ Jesus. When we sin or fall short, satan will attempt to make us doubt God’s love towards us, our worth and all we have received from trusting in Jesus. We will not feel righteous so therefore we must not be. But this is a lie from the enemy to distract us from Jesus. He doesn’t want us to pray, he doesn’t want us to confess. He enjoys when the children of God are sick, hurting and doubting. But thank God, the Spirit living in us is greater than the enemy!! In the Name of Jesus we have victory!
My friends, don’t listen to the lies of satan! Read this scripture again and rejoice in the power, forgiveness and healing the Lord offers those who believe and seek Him with all of their heart! Have a super, blessed day!!
Categories: BLOG