God commands us to turn away from our wickedness and death and choose godliness and life. Say to them. "As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their wicked ways and live Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel? Ezekiel 33:11. Someone may be a sinner for a long time without physically dying but two things we take for granted- peace of mind and the joy of the Lord die very quickly long before the physical death. Another thing that dies is the ability to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.
The first step on the road to forgiveness, healing and restoration is to stop any sinful behavior. "Turn! Turn from your evil ways!" It can be very difficult to stop sinning, but Jesus has withstood every temptation known to man and He has promised to help us.
The second step on the road to forgiveness, healing and restoration is to confess your sins to God and ask His forgiveness. Scripture is very clear in 1 John 1:9 that if we ask to be forgiven, God will forgive us: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. There is usually no feeling that comes with forgiveness. Many people do not think they are forgiven if they still feel ashamed or guilty because they are still dealing with the consequences of their sin. We ask and we beg over and over again, because we are not sure. There is no dirty brown stain behind your ear, a "mark of Cain," or a scarlet letter to scrub off. Some will describe the realization of forgiveness as the lifting of a heavy burden, a feeling of relief, an overwhelming peace to the spirit and the ability to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has already paid the price for our sins at Calvary. The Bible does not lie and all the promises of God are yes and amen.
There is a third step on the road to forgiveness, healing and restoration. Confessing your sins to others who have been involved and hurt by your sin and asking them to forgive you is an important part of your healing. It is an important part of their healing too.
God forgives us as soon as we ask, but the physical and emotional consequences are real. Some of the physical consequences of sexual sin are memories that cause distraction, disappointment and distrust in relationships. There are sexually transmitted diseases, problems with pregnancy, sterility and a tarnished reputation. There are mental and emotional problems with introduction of demonic strongholds. Condemnation over what has been done in the past can be more traumatic than the sin that was committed. But take heart! "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
Which brings us to the biggest step forward on the road to forgiveness and healing: God wants us to stop sinning, ask for forgiveness and move on with our lives into full deliverance in Christ. If you are suffering consequences from your sin, go to God in faith and gain strength from Him. "Go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:11). .
Now you are well on your way down the road to forgiveness, healing and restoration. I pray that you do not allow the adversary to cause you to be downcast, discouraged and defeated like he is. Our God is a great God who forgives, restores and heals. God wants you become a better, stronger Christian after forgiveness and deliverance from sin and death.
Be blessed on your journey!
The first step on the road to forgiveness, healing and restoration is to stop any sinful behavior. "Turn! Turn from your evil ways!" It can be very difficult to stop sinning, but Jesus has withstood every temptation known to man and He has promised to help us.
The second step on the road to forgiveness, healing and restoration is to confess your sins to God and ask His forgiveness. Scripture is very clear in 1 John 1:9 that if we ask to be forgiven, God will forgive us: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. There is usually no feeling that comes with forgiveness. Many people do not think they are forgiven if they still feel ashamed or guilty because they are still dealing with the consequences of their sin. We ask and we beg over and over again, because we are not sure. There is no dirty brown stain behind your ear, a "mark of Cain," or a scarlet letter to scrub off. Some will describe the realization of forgiveness as the lifting of a heavy burden, a feeling of relief, an overwhelming peace to the spirit and the ability to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has already paid the price for our sins at Calvary. The Bible does not lie and all the promises of God are yes and amen.
There is a third step on the road to forgiveness, healing and restoration. Confessing your sins to others who have been involved and hurt by your sin and asking them to forgive you is an important part of your healing. It is an important part of their healing too.
God forgives us as soon as we ask, but the physical and emotional consequences are real. Some of the physical consequences of sexual sin are memories that cause distraction, disappointment and distrust in relationships. There are sexually transmitted diseases, problems with pregnancy, sterility and a tarnished reputation. There are mental and emotional problems with introduction of demonic strongholds. Condemnation over what has been done in the past can be more traumatic than the sin that was committed. But take heart! "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
Which brings us to the biggest step forward on the road to forgiveness and healing: God wants us to stop sinning, ask for forgiveness and move on with our lives into full deliverance in Christ. If you are suffering consequences from your sin, go to God in faith and gain strength from Him. "Go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:11). .
Now you are well on your way down the road to forgiveness, healing and restoration. I pray that you do not allow the adversary to cause you to be downcast, discouraged and defeated like he is. Our God is a great God who forgives, restores and heals. God wants you become a better, stronger Christian after forgiveness and deliverance from sin and death.
Be blessed on your journey!
