Much of the compulsions I have done revolved around the topic of forgiveness, a misunderstanding of Jesus words and a fear of going to hell for being unforgiving. And so the compulsions were excessive praying for whomever, repeatingly saying I forgive somebody in prayers, asking self if I really did forgive( I didn't want to think I did and be wrong. Psalm 139:23-24 was encouraging for that), Google searching on what forgiveness is and is not, and maybe even bible reading as a way to reassure myself. So it was a mess.
Still I found the more I have read from Scripture, the more encouragement I would receive. Even reading last night in Numbers 16. Particularly when a plague breaks out for opposing Moses after what happened to Korah, and how when atonement was made for the people, the plague was stopped. This atonement I saw to be a picture of Christ payment for sins. One of the most encouraging pictures for me was thinking of being in Christ, a part of his body. And I remember looking at my hand in wonder and also sometime thinking to myself I belong. Then I have taken notice of how in Ephesians 5:25-27 that not only did Jesus Christ come to pay for our sins and save us but also sanctify and cleanse the church( v 26) to present it to himself holy and without blemish( v 27). And this purpose he has he will accomplish.
Korah's rebellion, and how GOD dealt with HIM, we are EQUALLY GUILTY, so why did we not get the same punishment ? ? ?
The answer is
WE RECEIVED MERCY, make us want to LOVE HIM MORE.
Titus 3:5-7 (HCSB)
5
He saved us—
not by works of righteousness that we had done, but
according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
6 He poured out this ⌊Spirit⌋ on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that
having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.
Ephesians 2:4-5 (HCSB)
4
But God, who is rich in mercy, because
of His great love that He had for us,
5
made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses.
You are saved by grace!
1 Peter 1:3-5 (HCSB)
3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
4 and into
an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.
5
You are being protected by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
Hebrews 2:17 (NCV)
17 For this reason Jesus had to be made like his brothers in every way
so he could be their merciful and faithful high priest in service to God.
Then Jesus could bring forgiveness for their sins.
I have something for you to meditate on.
I am sure you understand the JESUS PAID the Price for all sins on the CROSS.
SO HOW MUCH OF YOUR SINS WERE YET IN THE FUTURE, WHEN HE PAID THAT PRICE ? ? ?
That PRICE HE PAID was what they call
the BRIDE PRICE HE Paid to REDEEM YOU.
Genesis 34:12 (ESV)
12 Ask me for as great
a bride price and gift as you will, and I will give whatever you say to me.
Only give me the young woman to be my wife.”
1 Corinthians 6:20 (NASB)
20 For
you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
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