Did you know that the deepest part or “the depths of the sea,” is approximately seven miles to the bottom. It would actually be impossible to bring things up from that depth due to compression.
In addition, it is so far from the light of the sun that whatever is down there will never be brought to the light. To forgive is to so cast into the depths in a way that it cannot be brought up again or will ever see the light of day.
Four times the Bible says, “…their sin I will remember no more” (Isa 43:25, Jer 31:34, Heb 8:12, 10:17).
In our earthly relationships we often say that we have forgiven someone for a wrong they did to us, yet, as soon as the person steps over the line, we are quick to remind them that they “always” do this or that. We never really forget and therefore people seldom get a truly clean slate with others; but with God they ALWAYS do. When He forgives it is total and complete and it is absolutely removed from the record - it can never be brought up again, no matter what we may do in the future.
Here is a preview of one of the principles I will share Sunday: God's eraser never wears out and doesn't leave marks!!
Something else about forgiveness. It is a unique Christian concept. No world religion has it. In fact I heard it reported that forgiveness was not even a word in Chinese unitl Christian missionaries introduced it. The closest concept was that someone's memory got tired. Not an adequate understanding of what Jesus has done for us -- a bit more costly.
ReplyDelete--Glenn
Very interesting, Glenn! Thanks for sharing! Noah
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