Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not earned or deserved
...  but is a real gift from God

To begin lets talk about the simple Gospel of Jesus' love, his forgiveness and his grace. To my Christian brothers and sisters remember this always Jesus said, " IT IS FINISHED." Your salvation is only by God's grace and mercy. Jesus Christ at Calvary purchased this grace for you so he could give a pardon and forgiveness to whoever asks him for it as a gift. This gift from Jesus is unearned & undeserved by you. In fact Jesus Christ requires that you receive his forgiveness as a gift, not as some perceived earned right. Friends it is a real gift from God through the cross and the blood of Jesus Christ. To non-believers reading or those of other religions who have never known Jesus Christ by the power of his Holy Spirit, then I say to you ask God the Father in Jesus' name to help you believe today.


Forget about any teaching or any Christian that may have wronged you or hurt you, go directly to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ right where you are today. Jesus Christ warned there would be false Christians so do not hold that against Jesus what false Christians have done in his name. Ask Jesus Christ to reveal himself to you by the power of his Wonderful Holy Spirit. You do not have to do anything except ask him. DO NOT go to any Christian church unless the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ reveals to you where and when. The Holy Spirit knows who are the real Christians and who are false Christians. Trust the Holy Spirit to teach you once you begin experiencing his presence, his peace and his power. The scriptures declare that Kingdom of God is not just with words but also with power and joy in the Holy Spirit of God.


Now continuing concerning the Law of Moses and the ten commandments.


The Law of Moses is Holy as a schoolmaster until faith comes, but the Law of Moses does not save you. God's main purpose for the Law of Moses besides being guide of conduct and moral law is the uncovering of our absolute need for a savior and an intercessor but the law by itself saves no one, rather the law reveals sin and it's punishment according to God's standard. It's like the penalty phase in a courtroom after you are found guilty.


This is why the grace covenant paid for by Jesus is so important. The Book of Romans states, "When sin increases grace increases all the more abundantly." We are covered and washed by the blood of Jesus which was shed for us. This being done for us by Jesus Christ during our weakness, not during our strength.


In other words if we could have done it on our own Jesus Christ would never have had to suffer and die to pay our price required by the Law of Moses. Jesus Christ took our place (the Law’s required death penalty for our sins) so the Law of Moses could be fulfilled and completed and a new covenant of grace by Jesus' finished work could be established.


GRACE DEFINED: Divine assistance given to man, or woman, for their regeneration and sanctification, unmerited, pardon, gift, a special favor, leniency, mercy .


Many Christians misunderstand the finished work of the Cross, this causes some of them to be judgmental, depressed and numerous other problems. They say they are saved by Jesus' grace but then they preach the Law of Moses as the way to attain righteousness. It's sort of like having the cart before the horse. Trusting in Jesus is not a faith that trusts in the Law of Moses for salvation. It is a faith that honors Jesus' work in fulfilling the law and for paying our price required by the law of Moses on our behalf. Trust Jesus' finished work not your own ability brothers and sisters, that is the real Gospel.


When Jesus said, "it is finished" one of the things Jesus was declaring is that he was establishing a new covenant of grace and righteousness by faith in that new covenant, not by the perfect works of keeping the law. "For it is written not one does good all have fallen short of the glory of God."


Paul and Timothy also reinforced this in their letters to the church. Paul said "Those of you who would be justified by the law you are fallen from grace." Timothy said, "Those of you who would keep the law (or be justified) but then breaks it in even one point then this person would be guilty of breaking all of it. The point is this; Jesus knew we could never obey the law perfectly. This because of the inherited spiritual sin from Adam's fall. God's grace is God's gift to each of us through the price paid by Jesus Christ on the cross. This increasing and amazing grace is given to us so we would not fall back in fear and doubt when we fail, sin or worse.


This liberty does not mean Jesus does not discipline those who intentionally misuse his grace. It's a heart thing and only Jesus knows our hearts well enough to judge us correctly. Sometimes the person who is sinning the worst, is the one who loves God the most. They are trying so hard in their own strength and own effort to obey God yet still not understanding God's grace covenant correctly. The result of not understanding God's grace correctly is pain, fear, guilt, depression, anger and so forth. STOP TRYING to be perfect in your own strength and just seek Jesus as a child. Be honest with Jesus, he knows all your weaknesses and failures already. Jesus Christ knows you will have many weak moments as you grow in him, that is what his amazing grace is all about.


An example of law and grace, Paul said when speaking on the rapture of the church, he said we would be changed in the twinkling of an eye. He then said; "Oh Death where is your victory, where is your sting, for death is swallowed up in victory." This of course by the blood of Jesus.


Let us remember what Paul says just after this. If you understand this you will be blessed. Paul said: "FOR THE POWER OF SIN IS THE LAW." Let me say that once more the power of sin is trying to be righteous by the law of Moses. You honor the Law of Moses by agreeing it shows your sin and it is holy for this purpose. But you glorify Jesus Christ when you accept his finished work on the cross for you by faith, that faith is this; "Jesus said it's finished, Jesus is saying. "I have finished paying for their sin required by the Law of Moses I judge them not, I have taken their death penalty in their place because I love them." Now you say amen and agree with Jesus and say also "It is finished" the one who loves me above all has paid my price and with a praise from the heart and your mouth, you thank the Lord Jesus for dying for you and your sin.


When you doubt Jesus' love when you have sinned or have had a weak moment after accepting Jesus, then you are not really trusting Jesus' finished work and love. Your still trusting your ability to obey him in order to receive his love. Jesus loves you on your worst day sons and daughter's, trust his love and grace. Jesus did not die for you just so he could sit around and wait for you to sin again so he could judge you and punish you. NO! JESUS LOVES YOU! He died for all your sins past, present and future. Jesus gives you love, forgiveness and grace and he wants you to give the same to others even to those who reject Jesus, so love and love one another.


Do you understand why Jesus said to judge not in the new covenant of his grace? It is because he decided not to judge you according to the Law of Moses. Jesus rather than judge you by the law of Moses allowed himself to suffer the pain and the shame of the cross, then Jesus died for us in our place in order that the price and death penalty required by the Law of Moses could be paid in full. This so we could live as well as walk in his new covenant of his grace and all his promises. This includes miracle healing, deliverance, knowing his voice and his love and peace that surpasses knowledge.


Another important reminder about judging. Apostle Paul said "Who are we to judge outsiders, God judges the outsiders." Outsiders of course are those persons who do not yet believe in Jesus. When we judge outsiders Jesus disciplines us for not giving the same grace and forgiveness to them as he has given us.


Apostle Paul understood the law of God very well; he tried and tried to keep it after accepting Jesus. In the book of Romans Paul discusses his own experience. Most reading now should be able to relate to this same experience Apostle Paul had.


Paul said in Romans, "Every time I try to do the good that I want (Trying to keep the law of Moses perfectly) I do the very thing that I hate.Wretched man that I am who will deliver me from this body of Death. But thanks be to God, through our Lord Jesus Christ."


Paul declares that law was given to increase the trespass, and that through it sin would become utterly sinful. Why? Because the law is holy, but we in our physical nature are not. We are unable to obey it perfectly no matter how hard we try.


So the law is holy and good, because it reveals to us what is good, and of course that it's impossible to obey it perfectly without Jesus' grace, love and power. Remember to keep the law perfectly you must also in effect die. The law of God says all who have fallen short must suffer the penalty of the law. This penalty is death, with no wiggle room.


This is also why Jesus died for us not just to take our sins, but to pay the just requirement of God's law which is the death penalty. Jesus willing took our place, because he loves us all so much.


The law of God always causes one of two things, it causes a person to either seek after God and a Savior, or it cause's a person to rebel because they find it impossible for them to keep the law. This is where most non-believers become confused or angry with God. They hear those that profess to be Christians saying, " Do! Do! Do! or else, keep the law of Moses or go to hell. They say; "Quit this, stop doing that, come only to this denomination, give 10 percent and give that 10 percent only to us and so on and so on. That is not the truth, or real Christianity. Jesus said just come, come as you are. You do not try to clean up your own life, or change before you come, you just come to Jesus as you are and you ask him to help you believe. That's it, Jesus does all the rest, either at that very moment, or at a time in the future.


Please do not misunderstand there are still many wonderful churches with real believers, but there are also those DO, DO, DO, or else churches as well. Stay away from the DO, DO, or else churches. However do pray for them that Jesus would correct them.


Current non-believers reading, you never need to set foot inside of any church to be saved by Jesus Christ. All a person must understand and know is that Jesus Christ is the one God sent to pay your price, and know that God raised him from the dead. But to be honest, to really know this is true you need to be touched by the Holy Spirit. You need to ask God in Jesus' name to give you the GIFT of faith. When the Holy Spirit touches you powerfully and tangibly that gift of faith will be given.


A quick true story about a miracle given to a man who had NO real faith.


Many years ago according to the Bible, a man came to Jesus on the behalf of his son. This man asked Jesus for a miracle for his son and Jesus asked the man if he believed. This man was honest with Jesus about his unbelief, he said, "Jesus I believe, but please help me with my unbelief." In other words this man wanted to believe, but he was being honest with Jesus saying that he still did not believe. This man had no real faith. He had heard of Jesus and the miracles but he was not sure, for he had not seen them for himself. This man knew that if he lied to Jesus and said he believed when he didn't, then if Jesus was for real that lie might prevent a miracle, a miracle his son needed so badly.


So this man gave an answer that he thought Jesus would want to hear and then added his complete honesty and asked for help with his unbelief. That request was good enough for Jesus and Jesus healed that man's son with a powerful miracle. Through that miracle to his son, this man was given the gift of real faith. The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ will give you the miracles and the power to believe, if you will ask him to help you understand and believe. Real salvation in Jesus Christ is always personal and private. Seek him even if you feel like your only talking to thin air. Say Jesus if you’re really the truth help me believe, that's the best I can do today. I promise you if you do, sooner, or later that air you feel silly talking to will be filled with such power and love that you can feel, you will have a hard time speaking because of Jesus' awesome presence and love, your doubt will melt away like ice cream in a hot Las Vegas desert. On that day you will be forever changed and forever grateful.


Now lets talk some more about Jesus' grace and how some Christians get confused and fearful after sinning, or backsliding during a weak moments in their walk.


When a new Christian receives Jesus, their burden is lifted, sin is washed and they feel brand new. Many call this the first love experience in Jesus, it's Wonderful to say the very least. But as time goes by some weakness, or sin, or bondage resurfaces in their lives. Then we try to repent of it, we ask, we pray, we beg and of course we feel so terrible and guilty, the harder we try, the worse it gets. We say Oh, Jesus I'm sorry, I won't do it again, forgive me. Then we go for a little while and sure enough in most cases it happens again. Now we are feeling torn and separated from Jesus' Holy Spirit, and even worse, in some cases the heart starts to grow cold, sometimes angry, then sin gets worse and worse.


Do you see how God's holy law works, it makes sure we are all put to death in our own Righteousness and ability. The law of God always will crucify you until you truly understand Jesus' covenant of grace properly. And of course after the law has put you to death, immediately as you die, (Your ability, spiritually speaking) Jesus then keeps his promise and does for you, what you could not. Jesus makes you alive in him again and his covenant of grace and All his promises.


Jesus always starts when we are finished in our own strength and ability. This is why Paul said, "Through the Law I died to the law, that I might live to God." Of course Paul was speaking of faith in Jesus' finished work. Also he knew for sure he could never attain righteousness by the law. Walk by the Spirit of grace, not the letter of the Law.

It's very important that all Christians stop trying to please Jesus in their own ability. He will never accept it, no matter how good the intentions. If you’re in caught in any type of sin, or bondage you will NEVER be free by your own effort. At best you might be able to stop for a while, but sooner or later if it's only your ability and not Jesus', you will surely fall back into it, whatever that might be.

You must understand all deliverance, healing, restoration is having faith in Jesus' finished work. By His stripes we are healed. Never by our stripes, or our good works, or by our church's good work, or even our pastor's good works, always and only by Jesus' finished work on the Cross.

Jesus loves you on your worst day my brothers and sisters, not just your good days, when I am weak, Jesus is strong Paul declared. God makes perfect in weakness. Sometimes Jesus allows you to fall into the trap of legalism, or some sin. Sometimes he even leaves you there for a while. Why? So when he delivers you and heals you can truly understand. "He, or she that is forgiven much, loveth much. Those that are forgiven only a little, love only a little." Also: That you might come to know the height, the breath, and the depth of the Love of God, in Christ Jesus.

The most dangerous thing any Christian can do is judge a non-believer. When we do that we make ourselves a judge in the law, rather than a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ and his grace covenant, it also opens you up to attacks from the enemy. Jesus said to judge not and you will not be judged, forgive and you will be forgiven. Jesus was not just saying this because it is just good sense, he said it to protect us.

If your going to stand as a judge in the Law, even though you are saved by grace, then when you judge a non-believer you also judge yourself. Jesus made it clear, JUDGE NOT. Now when we make this mistake God's Mercy and Grace is still with us, but his discipline will begin to work in our lives.

The law by which we judged others will now come to bear against us until we are put to death again by it. This is a very painful place to be, but this death process through the Law when completed allows Jesus to restore us to his blessings of Grace when we have repented. Repenting to what? Jesus said, "Love, forgive and to judge not, even towards our enemies. To trust Jesus' grace and his finished work.

Jesus gives us more grace when we fail like this, but he allows things to touch our lives to discipline us. He works all things to the good, for those who love him, and he disciplines all those called by his name. Sometimes that discipline hurts. We must love all brothers and sisters, even our enemies as Jesus taught. If we don't then we are not only breaking the lesser commandments of the Old testament, but we are breaking the greatest new commandment Jesus gave to his twelve disciples and of course to us. Jesus said, "LOVE ONE ANOTHER." This is how the world will know you are my disciples.

If you’re a Christian that is struggling in these things, or some sin, or backslid-den, listen to me please. Jesus Christ is closer than your next breath by the power of his Holy Spirit. I MEAN RIGHT NOW !! I don't care if God seems a million miles away. He is right there with you right now. Please listen to me carefully, Jesus humbly I ask you to give them the ability to hear their brother who has been through this. Let them know I am telling them the truth, your truth Lord Jesus.

Brothers and sisters restoration is exactly like your salvation. You come with your weaknesses, your failures and your sins. You bring everything to Jesus except your ability and good works, there is nothing you can give Jesus that he does not already own. Except one thing, your sins.

Jesus loves you, no matter what, it's not silver vessels that he needs, nor golden vessels that he wants, but yielded vessels, trusting his grace and his love no matter what.

Ask Jesus from your heart in your own way,


Lord Jesus, forgive me for doubting your forgiveness and your grace. I keep trying to get back to my first love in you and cannot do it, I have sinned over and over and I may even do it again tomorrow. I don't want to be this way, I love you Jesus help me surrender and trust your grace when I am weak, give me an increase in faith. Jesus right now I don't need theology, or religion, I need only you Lord Jesus. I can only understand your grace to the level I know it this day. But you can teach me you can write it fresh in my heart. I cannot depend on anyone completely Lord Jesus except you. Others cannot always be with me to help, but you can Lord Jesus, help me lean on you and trust your promises and love.

I cannot promise you anything Jesus, except that I want to be able to love you, like you love me, help me love, like you love me Jesus give me your ability. I surrender my ability for yours, my love for yours, my strength for yours, my righteousness for yours, I love you Father God please help me be a little child again. Help me come home in faith because your grace and ALL your promises. Holy Spirit help me today, thank you Lord Jesus. Help me know you as a friend and brother, not just as Lord and Savior. Be my best friend, my very best personal friend with benefits :) Thanks Jesus, Amen

Let's continue ....

It's not by Might, nor by Power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.

Obviously, the Holy Spirit is Mighty, and the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus is powerful. So what does this scripture really mean? It means; NOT by your own natural ability, NOT by your natural strength, NOT by your natural position, or influence in the world, NOT by your personal natural wealth, or lack of wealth, NOT by anything you can produce by and of your own natural ability. It means by The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Ask Jesus to help you surrender and trust His Grace. He loves you more than I can even imagine. And that's saying a lot. Jesus love's the good, the bad and the ugly my friends. He Loves us even when we don't love him. Remember he loves you on your worst day, not just your best, Jesus will never leave or forsake you, trust his grace when you are weak, judge not, especially your enemies. Invite Jesus to refresh you by His Holy Spirit and remember He will not do any of those things by your own effort, only by his grace, thank God for that, for if it was by our good works based on the Law of Moses we would all be doomed. I hope you have been blessed.

Lord Jesus touch all your children, restore them heal them, and those that are already strong, give them the strength and the wisdom, and the love to teach and strengthen others. Thank you Lord Jesus.
You have already promised to do all those things, I know you will in each case exactly as you decide in your perfect time. I love you Father, Lord Jesus. Help us all to Love. For in the end, only kindness matters.

Study List follows below.

1) ROMANS 8:35-39
2) ROMANS 9:31-33
3) ROMANS 7:6-25
4) ROMANS 8:14-17
5) TITUS 1:1-15
6) TITUS 3:5-9
7) ROMANS 10:1-16
8) ROMANS 11:2-12
9) ROMANS 11:6
10) ROMANS 11:29-36
11) ROMANS 14:1-14
12) ROMANS 14:21-23
13) 1ST CORINTHIANS 1:26-29
14) 1ST CORINTHIANS 2:2-13
15) 1ST CORINTHIANS 3:1-11
16) 1ST CORINTHIANS 4:1-5
17) 1ST CORINTHIANS 10:23-33
18) 1ST CORINTHIANS 15:55-57
19) 2ND CORINTHIANS 3:5-14
20) 2ND CORINTHIANS 3:17
21) 2ND CORINTHIANS 4:1-7
22) GALATIANS 2:16-21
23) GALATIANS 3:1-29
24) GALATIANS 4:1-31
25) GALATIANS 5:1-6
26) EPHESIANS 1:2-14
27) EPHESIANS 2:5-9
28) EPHESIANS 2:11-12
29) COLOSSIANS 2:8-17
30) 1ST TIMOTHY 1:1-17
31) HEBREWS 7:11-28
32) HEBREWS 8:1-13
33) 1ST TIMOTHY 2:3-6
34) ROMANS 10:9-17


John 12:44-45

44 Then Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.

Isaiah 45-21-23

21 Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me.

22 "Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.

23 I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath.

John 14:9

9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

Isaiah 9:6

6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 20:26-28

26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!" 27 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"

Brothers and sisters Jesus Christ must direct you and perfect you by his Holy Spirit each and every time and each and everyday when doing real ministry in his name. This is true both for ministry as well as for you personally. Your ministry is your service to him, but in heaven your relationship is what is most important to him. There is a clue for you, on earth as it is done in heaven. So revival starts with you and your relationship with the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, not with a chore list of works or even well meaning good intentions. Brothers and sisters if your service to him or if your ministry causes you to be busy with emotions and things to do but does not cause you to have a close tangible relationship with Jesus Christ by his Holy Spirit everyday, then stop and find out why. Jesus does not need servants, he wants son's and daughters who love him and want to serve. Jesus is not interested in giving you a job, rather he wants to give you a hug and a holy kiss. You see when Jesus said it is finished he knew what he was talking about, even if some of us are still a little unclear about it.


May the Lord Jesus Christ keep all of you who trust IN HIM in his Hand always. And may the Holy Spirit guide you in all Truth, and Wisdom.




Your brother and servant in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ


Real forgiveness from Jesus Christ God our Father even on your worst day

Ps Joseph Prince
Singapore