The Grace of Forgiving (Part VI)

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (I Jn. 1:9-10) “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. … Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” (Ps. 51:7,13)

Nowhere in the Bible are the churches given liberty to approve of any sin, to associate with sin, or to allow it to continue in the churches. However, nowhere in the Bible does it teach that any human is able to live in sinless perfection. Since the Lord’s churches are comprised of humans, where does that leave us in this perplexing situation? If we were to exclude every single individual that sins by commission or omission there would be no one left in the pulpits or the pews. Every church would have to be totally vacated until sinless perfection could be achieved. If that were the case then there would be no one in church this side of heaven.

Brethren, the Lord has designed His churches to be safe havens for healing and training, not halls of judgment and execution. If everyone were sinless there would be no need for churches or preachers; that would be like having a hospital but no one ever got sick. It is absolutely sinful to demand of others what we cannot fulfill ourselves. If God were looking for flawlessness, He sure would not have called any of us out. By sovereign grace God calls sinners out of the world to be cultivated into the image of His dear son Jesus. His churches are His hospitals, schools, and boot camps for the on going spiritual warfare. Every wound brings a growth of experience, which in turn is used to equip the new troops. No one will ever be fully combat ready, but the war never ceases and we must begin from where we are and toughen up with each blow of the battle. The grace of forgiveness does far more for the cause of Christ than Pharisaical condemnation of every wounded soldier.

Leave condemnation under the jurisdiction of the eternal Judge, and let us walk worthy of the vocation for which He has called us. Thank God for bringing us folk to nourish and teach in His ways! When you or a brother are wounded in the battle apply that special holy salve of the grace of forgiveness and watch the healing begin.