Day 8: Works

A common source of fear that affects nearly everyone is the persistent question: “have I done enough?” The result is feelings of guilt and a drive to do more. This question can manifest in a broad range of arenas and result from varied motivations. The instance we’re concerned with today is “have I done enough to be accepted...or forgiven?”

A quick internet search found How to GET Someone to Forgive You, 6 Things You Have to Do If You Want Someone to Forgive You, and The Psychology of Asking for Forgiveness and Forgiving. All of these have some good ideas when dealing with other people. But, we would be sorely mistaken to assume that these same principles apply to “repairing” an offense to our God. The epitome of the error in thinking was an article Forgiveness Must be Earned (Rom 3:20). One article made me smile, How to Make Someone Forgive You... It's an absurd title, but has a surprisingly wise conclusion. Specifically, you can't “make” them. This last article stood in stark contrast to the others’ assertion that forgiveness can be universally earned. Ultimately, the one who has been offended or the one whose acceptance you seek sets the price. The “offended” determines when the debt is paid. The one seeking acceptance or forgiveness can either make payment for reconciliation or they can walk away.

As a race, we humans have accumulated quite a debt to God. A debt that amounts to life itself (Rom 6:23). Yes, the Bible says the penalty for sin is death. As individuals, we pile on more debt day after day (Rom 3:10-18, Rom 3:23, James 2:10).

To remain morally perfect, God's justice must be honored, payment must be made. Fortunately, Christ already paid the debt for those who believe. In Christ, we are debt free for all time!

Col 2:13: And even though you were dead in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he nevertheless made you alive with him, having forgiven all your transgressions. 14 He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. (NET)

Heb 10:14: For by one offering he has perfected for all time those who are made holy…17 then he says, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no longer.” (NET)

2 Cor 5:21: God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God. (NET)

As Christians, we are sure that God has forgiven all our transgressions, nailed the certificate of indebtedness to the cross, perfected us for all time, and remembers our sins no more. So, should we continue “feeling guilty” for past sin?

There is an appropriate motive for doing “good works.” But, earning forgiveness and acceptance isn't it. 1 Pet 2:25 refers to believers as sheep who have turned back to their shepherd. What kind of “work” could a sheep possibly be expected to do in order to regain the shepherd’s favor? In fact, it’s just the opposite. A good shepherd knows that rest is essential for the sheep…absolutely essential for digestion and health. The best “work” the sheep can do is to rest in the shepherd’s provision.

Without fear of punishment from the Father and without feelings of guilt or shame, why would a good child continue acting rightly?

Psalms 100:3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God. He made us and we belong to Him, we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. (NET)

Life In His Presence