In John 21, Jesus makes one of his post-resurrection visits on the shore where the disciples are fishing. This passage gives us great assurance about the power and wonder of God's forgiveness.
During this visit, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Scholars believe Christ was giving Peter three opportunities to affirm his belief in Christ because he'd previously denied Christ three times (Luke 22:54-62). Jesus was assuring Peter that his past sins didn't disqualify him from salvation or ministry.
Please ponder this, dear Christians. During a critical point in salvation history, as Christ prepared to die for our sins, Peter denied Him…three times.
Can you see how incredibly powerful it was for Christ to assure Peter that he's forgiven and qualified for ministry to God's people?
This should assure us as well. Nothing in our past can keep us from fulfilling God's purposes for our lives. This is our confidence and a confidence we can share with others who are struggling with past sins.
Excusing our sins keeps us from knowing and loving Christ, but "if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8-10).
The wonder and power of God's forgiveness is beautifully illustrated in this post-resurrection visit of Christ. It's beautifully illustrated in the life of Peter…and it's beautifully illustrated in every believer's life.
If you're having trouble dealing with past sins, see how Paul dealt with them in 3 Steps for Dealing with Past Sins. And remember that Paul once persecuted Christ's followers.
💙Be sure to check out the Bible Love Notes devotional Wisdom for Life. Discounted on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD.
Bible Love Notes
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