Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him (Jesus) forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him (Jesus) everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.

                                                                                                               Acts 13:38-39

In today’s passage, we see two foundational pillars of the Christian faith: forgiveness and freedom. Strangely they are also connected in the sense that an individual that has yet to experience forgiveness really cannot be spiritually free. Likewise, those who find joy and fulfillment in Christ are much more equipped to forgive others around them. First, “let it be known” that in a relationship with Jesus, there is forgiveness of sins…all of them. We are designed to live in forgiveness. Show me a life full of struggle and I will show you someone who needs to experience or give forgiveness. Forgiveness is a release of any possible penalty being issued for an offense. That is why scripture says that we are blessed when are sins are covered (forgiven) apart from works (Romans 4:6).

There are three areas of our lives that will be positively or negatively impacted depending on the presence or lack of forgiveness. (1) We need forgiveness from God. There is no fear in love rather God’s perfect love drives out fear from our lives because the fear is associated with punishment (1 John 4:18). Those who fear punishment for their sins have not experienced the complete forgiveness that Jesus died to provide. (2) We need to forgive others. Jesus teaches the importance of forgiveness by instructing us to forgive as many times as is necessary (Matthew 18:22) and that an unwillingness to forgive blocks the possibility of our experiencing God’s forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15). (3) We need to forgive ourselves. This is often the most difficult part of experiencing forgiveness. Christians who cannot seem to forgive themselves are really ignoring what Jesus accomplished on the cross on their behalf. Rather than wallow around in despair over our mistakes, we should talk to God about our sin and experience forgiveness from Him (1 John 1:9).

Secondly, “let it be known” that in a relationship with Jesus, we are freed from all things. Mankind has been efficient in adding to the gospel of Jesus. It is often difficult for people to accept God’s love and forgiveness without attaching conditions to it. But scripture is quite clear that salvation, forgiveness, and freedom are for everyone who believes. Everyone who believes will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Everyone who believes is not condemned (John 3:18). For everyone who believes, his/her faith is credited as righteousness (Romans 4:5). The gospel has the power to save everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). And the greatness of God’s power is towards everyone who believes (Ephesians 1:18-19). These are just some of the powerful truths about receiving forgiveness and freedom by faith. It is important to note that this freedom is found in a relationship with Jesus and is not possible through the Law of Moses. Substituting law keeping for resting in the finished work of the cross does not bring about spiritual freedom. Legalism makes it more difficult for us to receive forgiveness from God. Consequently, that leads to a failure to forgive others and ourselves. As you pray today, ask God for forgiveness and freedom in your own life and to give you the opportunity to “let it be known!”