What Amazing Grace!

I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43: 25

Sin. Such a little word that is seldom talked about, and one we definitely don’t like to think about. Perhaps we would like transgression better – until we hear the definition. Both mean the same: “a violation of a law, command, or duty; a wrongdoing; an offense against God” – one of those many things that we all do that fails to meet His requirements for us.

Some individuals have so much assurance of God’s love and grace that it becomes easy for them to put their sins aside – not even thinking of them – and just accepting that God will always forgive and always love us. Then there are others who think that they have sinned so deeply and are so unworthy of His forgiveness that they don’t ask at all. They can’t forgive themselves and they feel that their transgressions are beyond what God could ever forgive or forget. Yet, we all sin whether we acknowledge them or not, and we all fall short of being who God would have us be.

This verse is a reminder that sin is a serious matter, that God sees our failures, but that He will “blot them out and remember them no more.” God is not indifferent to our offenses. He is the One we have sinned against and the One to whom we have been unfaithful. Our God is just and holy. We know how He feels about unrighteousness and sin, but He also understands our human nature. Our God has a love and a grace so much bigger than our own. We may not always be able to forgive and forget, but He can. May we pray as the Lord’s prayer teaches us: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” And God does.

What a gracious God who makes it possible for us to be forgiven so completely. Can we even begin to understand the depth of His love and mercy to us? He sent His Son to die on a cross to redeem us, and we have His loving promise that when He forgives our sins, He forgets them. He blots out the memory of each one, wipes them out completely, and keeps no record against us.

Our Father does so because of who He is. He is a loving and gracious God who understands our frailties and wants to freely give us His grace – not because we deserve it, but because of His infinite, unconditional love for us. He wants us to have a 2nd chance, and another, and another. His desire is that we live with an unburdened heart filled with His peace and hope, knowing that we are always loved and always forgiven!

“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake,” as if He is saying “I, and I alone am able to do this.”

We can’t do it – we recognize our failed attempts at redeeming and forgiving ourselves – and neither can anyone else do it for us. Only God can, and He does so because He desires that we see His glory and give Him praise. What amazing grace is ours!

Prayer 

Our heavenly Father, forgive us when we fail to come to you with our sins and to ask for your forgiveness. We are so humbled by your love and grace for us, and we give you the honor, glory, and praise for all of your many blessings. Amen