Bible Text: Lk. 24:47; Acts. 2:38; 1Jn. 1:9-2:2 | Preacher: G.S. WCCRM

 

INTRODUCTION:   The most urgent need of man, following his fall, is restoration. This restoration is wrapped up in the package of Remission of Sins and the blessings that follow it (Act. 2:38). Remission of sin is so essential to every man in this life that it is the sole object of Christ=s advent in this world (Matt.  1:21; 26:28; Lk. 24:47). God=s purpose for every man is that all might obtain remission of sin and restoration in Christ Jesus (Lk.24:47; Acts. 4:12). There is no other name under heaven by which this can be achieved. God=s plan for remission of sin and the attendant restoration in Christ is a universal question (Lk. 24:47).

 

Let=s consider the teaching in these three points: (1) Remission of Sin, Explained (2) Remission of Sin, An Urgent Necessity For All and (3) Remission of Sin, Only in Christ.

 

Remission of Sin, Explained (Matt. 1:21; Lk.24:47; Jn. 1:29; 1Jn. 1:9). It is reiterated that all humans, no matter their origin, creed or race come into this world as sinners and as a result are subject to the wrath of God (Rm. 3:19-23; Eph. 2:2-3). Sin is a transgression of the law; sin is every disobedience to God=s word (1Jn. 3:4); it is every kind of unrighteousness. (1Jn. 5:17).

 

In a sense, to remit is to cancel, to lay aside, to forgive. Remission of sin means forgiveness of sin. But we are considering remission of sin in this context to mean the complete removal of sin from the life of a man through forgiveness and cleansing (1Jn. 1:9).

 

Forgiveness: Forgiveness of sin is an important aspect of remission of sin. An individual obtains forgiveness of sins after he has realized that he has sinned and that Christ died on the cross for the purpose of making forgiveness possible to anyone who wills.  Following this realization, he goes on to confess and renounce his sins, putting his faith in the vicarious death of Christ and calling upon the Lord for forgiveness (cp Pro. 28:13; 1Jn. 1:9; Jn. 1:12-13).

 

Cleansing From All Unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9).  When anyone confesses and forsakes his sins, God forgives and puts His Spirit inside his heart (2 Cor. 5:5; Gal. 4:6).Remission of sin also includes purifying the heart of  the penitent from all unrighteousness and defilement (1 Jn. 1:9). There is cleansing and purifying power in the blood of the Lamb, and so the penitent and believing can be thoroughly cleansed and purified (cp Heb. 9:13, 14; 13:12; 1 Jn. 1:9-2:2).  No wonder God demands such level of holiness from His true children (cp Matt. 5:48; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pt. 1:14-17). At the point of this cleansing, all  motions of sin and inward depravity that are responsible for all manner of unholy manifestations, are taken away, thus making  practical holiness possible (Rom. 6:6).

 

Remission Of Sin, An Urgent Necessity For All: Remission of sin as already explained, is an urgent necessity for all, as all also have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rm. 3:23). True remission of sin ought to be the essence of religion, as without it one is eternally lost (cp Eph.2:1-3; Lk. 16:19-31).  It is after remission of sin that one can receive the Spirit of God, making it possible for one to partake of the divine nature (cp 2 Pet. 1:3, 4). God=s purpose for us in Christ is to conform to His image (cp. Gen. 1:26; Rm.8:29; 1 Cor. 15:49). This divine purpose in Christ is necessary for all and sundry irrespective of colour, culture or creed, hence repentance and remission of sin should be preached in His name among all nations (Lk. 24:47).

 

Remission Of Sin, Only Through Christ (Matt. 26:28; Lk. 24:47; Act 2:38; 4:12;1Jn. 1:9-2:2). We want to stress here that this all-important issueC remission of sin is available only in Jesus Christ, as there is no other given for that purpose; no other came from heaven into this world, suffered and died for it (cp Matt. 26:28; Lk. 24:47; Act 2:38; 4:12; 1Jn1:9-2:2)

 

Conclusion: In the light of the foregoing, God would have every one of us who purports to have anything to do with Christ and Christianity to take advantage of this truth and have all his/her sins (both outward and inward) completely obliterated.  Note, this gospel of remission of sin in His name, is for all.  So, receive it for yourself, and give same to whosoever you can find.  All those who resolve to heed this counsel will be maximally blessed of the Lord this year.

Fellowship Songs: HSCF (40 & 41)