Anyway, let me clarify a bit. It isn't that I don't think we need to repent. If we have sinned and we are sorry, then of course. But I wonder if it is for us more than it is for Him? For us to clear our conscience? I don't know.
I just believe based on the scripture I shared before (among others), that Jesus knows our hearts. He knows our true heart. He knows if we are sorry or not. I believe when He died on the cross it covered me. Done. My sins past, present, and future.
Here is another scripture reference - Mark 2. It's the story of the paralyzed man lowered through the roof by his friends because they couldn't get to Jesus otherwise. So, here is what happened:
Mark
4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Hm. So it says in verse 5, "When Jesus saw their faith..." When he saw their faith. He told the man his sins were forgiven. So because of his friends faith, he forgave the man. The man didn't say anything to Jesus. But Jesus saw his heart and also factored in his friends hearts.
I guess what I am trying to say is all of the people of the bible that Jesus considered faithful or forgiven were all pretty messed up. King David, a man God considered faithful, had 700 concubines. He committed adultery and killed people. Yet, he was a "man after God's own heart." Moses committed premeditated murder (Exodus 2) and yet, God considered him faithful.
There are tons of examples. Ultimately, God knew their hearts apart from their sins.
I really don't know the answers. I just know that Jesus' blood covers me. Because of His blood, I am considered righteous. 2000+ years ago, He died for my sins before they were ever committed. I believe He died for all of them. He knows my heart and knows that I want nothing more than to be pure before Him.
I just wonder, based on the scriptures and the people throughout history, if His grace is even more than I ever considered (obviously, but you know what I mean.).
Just something to think about...
2 comments:
Thanks for explaining more! I have been following your blog since your first adoption journey to China for Willa. I been praying for you since. I know how hard of a journey is was and has been for yall with adoption. My husband and I have 5 kids. 3 natural born boys and two adopted daughters from Korea. My husband was the Worship/Youth Pastor at our church for years and we just got promoted to Head Pastor. He still does the Worship too. He just couldn't give that up..lol. Our worship is alot like yalls. I really always felt a connection with you. I LOVED that your husband was a worship pastor too! I believe God looks at the heart and its always a heart issue. I use to wonder too if I was telling a lie or talking about someone and died right then would I go to heaven. I think yes...because God knows my heart hasn't turned from Him. You may have made a mistake but your heart is still seeking God. You havent turned your heart away from God. I think God looks at your heart. Do I think that gives us a pass to sin...no. God says be ye holy as I am holy. But we all sin and fall way short. But I also know were sin abounds God's grace abound even more so. I think we kind of think alike...LOL. I still have so much to learn and Im sure when we all get to heaven we will laugh about all the things we are wrong about...haha. Anyways I dont have a blog but I am on facebook if you want to look me up...My name is Brooke Tilghman. :)
I've not read John Eldridge's newest book, however, I read "Walking with God"...and my viewpoint of God--and honestly myself--was changed. Amazing work...that will change your life. He talks about our heart and how multiple times throughout scripture God talks about how "it is good", yet common "teachings" tell just the opposite--that we are bad, that our heart is bad, yet it is contradictory to scripture.
I'm excited about your upcoming trip to China and what God is going to do!
Post a Comment