1. In our study of God's promises we have shown that: a. they are "exceeding great and precious" (2 Peter 1:4) b. they are "trustworthy" -- God "is not slack concerning His promise" (2 Peter 3:9) c. they are "effective" 1) God's promises will have a positive effect upon those who trust them. 2) Trusting God's promises led Abraham, Sara, Isaac, and Jacob to serve Him faithfully (Hebrews 11:13-16). d. some of them are "conditional." 2. In our last lesson we examined "God's promise to send Jesus." 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on a special blessing that God promised in connection with sending Jesus -- "forgiveness."
Discussion:
I. GOD'S PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS IS MENTIONED MANY TIMES IN THE BIBLE
A. He promised cleansing from sin to the people of Judah (Isaiah 1:18; 55:7). B. His promise of forgiveness involved the death of Christ (Isaiah 53:4-6, 11). C. His new covenant would provide the complete removal of sins (Jeremiah 31:31-34). D. To fully appreciate this promise, we must understand that . . .
II. MAN NEEDS FORGIVENESS
A. We need forgiveness because: 1. of sin (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8, 10) 2. of the consequences of sin. a. Sin causes separation from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). b. The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23). B. David emphasized our need for forgiveness by describing himself before and after he was forgiven (Psalm 32:1-5). 1. He first showed in vs.1-2 how a forgiven person is "blessed." 2. He showed in vs.3-4 that he had not always enjoyed this blessing. 3. He showed in vs.5 how he received God's forgiveness.
III. THE BLOOD OF CHRIST MAKES FORGIVENESS POSSIBLE
A. Jesus shed His blood "for the remission [removal, forgiveness] of sins" (Matthew 26:27-28; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14). B. We receive "the remission of sins" when we repent and are baptized in the Lord's name (Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:12-13). C. The Lord's blood continues to provide forgiveness for His followers (1 John 1:7, 9).
IV. THE LORD'S FORGIVENESS IS SO SPECIAL THAT IT SHOULD MOTIVATE A PERSON TO SERVE HIM
A. David illustrated this principle (Psalm 51:9-13). B. The sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50 loved Jesus because He forgave her of many sins.
