This message may rattle some chains and initially make you go “what?”, but hang in there with me, because it could radically change your life. Here we go with the first statement:
You don’t have to ask God for forgiveness of your sins!
To begin explaining, let me ask you a few questions:
When did God forgive all sin? Answer: When Jesus died on the cross.
So, that means that all sin was forgiven from that point on, right? Answer: Yes
How many of your sins occurred after Jesus died on the cross? Answer: All of them.
So, all of the sins you have already committed and will ever commit have been forgiven.
We have been taught that each time we sin, we have to ask God’s forgiveness and that is erroneous teaching. That’s asking God to do something He’s already done.
Yes, we do need to acknowledge that we have sinned through confession and thank God for His forgiveness and it’s even good for the soul to confess our sins one to another, as it brings them from darkness to light.
I’ve met many people that are afraid that if they sin and the rapture occurs or they die before they have a chance to ask forgiveness, they will go to hell.
Another question. Did the thief on the cross ever ask Jesus or God to forgive his sins? Answer: No. He just believed that Jesus was the Son of God and Jesus said that the thief would be with Him in paradise that day (Luke 23:40-43).
One more. When Paul and Silas were in prison (Acts 16:25-40) and the earthquake opened all the doors, the jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Did Paul say, “you must ask God for forgiveness of your sins”? Answer: NO! He said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” The jailer and his family were saved and baptized that night.
We need to stop with the religion and remember that God wants relationship. He’s not mad at you. He’d not disappointed in you. He loves you and has forgiven ALL your sins. He doesn’t even remember them (Hebrews 8:12).
There is nothing you can do to make God love you more or less. He loved you so much that even before you were born, He sent His only Son to die for you! Jesus loved you so much that He was willing to give up the glories of heaven to become a baby and live life as a man. That’s a whole lot of love (can you hear Led Zeppelin playing in the background?)
So stop asking God for something He’s already done and start thanking Him instead.