GREATER THAN GOD!!!!!!!! Pt. 1
We travel much in our ministry, and are blessed to be able to witness to so many and hear the testimony of others. When I reflect on statements made by the saved, and unsaved, throughout our walk, I have discovered a common thread that permeates life no matter the story or background of the one telling the story. I went to the Father in prayer and HE instructed me to write this letter. “Sometimes I wish I didn’t know something about someone.” “Sometimes I think it is impossible to carry this heartache; this guilt; this shame.” “I know God has forgiven me, but………………” “I don’t see how God could ever forgive me.” I could write countless examples of statements made to me, but you’ve already heard them, and perhaps even said them yourself.
The common thread in all of the statements is forgiveness. Forgiveness is the greatest gift of Grace the Holy Father has given us. It is the reason our Lord Jesus lived, and died! There is no other way to eternal life than to accept it! Period!! There is no way to accept Jesus Christ, the Only Son of Jehovah God; to accept salvation from the Father through his blood sacrifice; without accepting His forgiveness. This was pointed out to me by a dear friend and Pastor a few years ago in my own walk. I was saved; accepted Jesus as my Saviour; 53 years ago, at the age of 11. But 10 years ago I was asked point-blank by my Pastor if I felt assured I was going to heaven. My answer to him was based on years of doctrinal teaching—-”I love the Lord with all my heart and I hope he finds me worthy enough when I die”. What a contradictory statement! WOW!! The Pastor quickly pointed out the hypocrisy of such a statement. It was, of course, almost like saying, “I believe Jesus died for my sins, and forgave me, but I wouldn’t let me into heaven knowing what I’ve done in the past”. To put it another way—–”Well, God forgives me but I’m not sure I agree with HIM”!!!!! Again, WOW, what profound arrogance. Am I “greater than God”? Blasphemy—–to be sure—-and yet we all do it at one time or another! This is evidenced by the first statement I made that was said to me; “Sometimes I wish I didn’t know something about someone”. Why not? Or, perhaps this statement: “I will pray for _____, but I can’t forgive him/her”. If he/she repented and was surely forgiven by Jehovah God, and yet you can’t forgive them and forget—–are you “greater than God”? This leads to the next logical question: If forgiveness is the greatest gift of Grace given by God; signed, sealed, and delivered at Calvary by the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ; why do we struggle so much with it—-both in forgiving ourselves, and others? The answer, I found through prayer, is really quite simple. Forgiveness is perhaps satan’s biggest weapon, or, should I say, our inability to forgive or accept forgiveness. This is profound and yet so much truth. No matter how much you profess salvation; walk the walk; are active in ministry; you cannot truly be right with God if you refuse His most wondrous gift. The Bible is full of God’s forgiveness—-and in fact it is the basis of His Infinite Love. That is what His Holy Word is all about—cover to cover. Satan knows this. No one who ever lived knows scripture better than satan. No one who ever lived knows God’s Holy Plan better than satan. And satan knows if he can whisper his lies into your ears—”you’re not good enough”; “you can’t be forgiven for what you did”; “you can’t forgive that person for what they did”—and have you believe them, you are denying God’s gift and Jesus’ sacrifice.
If you can’t accept this truth———-then you are denying the very foundation of God’s Holy Plan. We were born into sin; yet God loved us enough to send HIS only SON to die for our sins; and through this blood sacrifice our sins are washed as white as snow. If you can’t accept this truth——-are you “Greater than God”?
Amen and Amen.
Erica
Charles
Maxine
