The Cross for Forgiveness

READ: John 11:49-52
MORE LESSONS:I Jn. 1:8-10, Act. 2: 36-40
Bible Reading in One Y ear: Joshua 16-18

Calvary is all about forgiveness. The forgiveness that Jesus wrought for us on the cross is holistic and it has different aspects to it. The first aspect is that we obtain forgiveness from the Lord. When we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, we obtain mercy because God is ever willing and ready to forgive us. He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy: Prov 28:13 (NIV). The second aspect is that through the cross of Christ we also obtain forgiveness for the nations. As recorded in the Scripture, Caiaphas, the High Priest, prophesied without knowing it that the One Man Jesus Christ should die for the nations (John 11: 49-52). This means that through the work of the cross, God in the depth of His love, is willing to forgive us and also forgive our nations. Standing on the basis of the scriptures, we could pray for forgiveness for our individual families, lineage, tribes and nations. If we do, we are going to see many members of our family give their lives to Christ in rapid successions, and also see a revival of righteousness in our nation having received of forgiveness by the work of Jesus Christ at Calvary.
Forgiving one another is also a product of the cross of Christ. It is all about offending one another but making up and forgiving one another in love, which leads to the mending and healing of relationships among us. There will always be offences; somebody will do or say something that you don't like. Even between a husband and wife there will be offences, how much more in a church with many more people. However, we must not allow bitterness and strife. If you see a brother doing something wrong, don't gossip; rather go and discuss with him to resolve the matter. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other, tender hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you: Eph 4:31-32 (NLT). The reason we pray for so long and the answer is not forthcoming is explained in Jesus’ prayer: If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you: Matt 6: 15 (NLT). I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too: Mark 11:24-25.
The last aspect of forgiveness is that you should learn to forgive yourself for the sins and mistakes of the past.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God for forgiveness over any sin still standing against you and give Him thanks that they are eternally cleared.
* Stand in the gap, and like David, plead for God’s forgiveness for your nation, tribe, and family.
* Command the testimony of salvation over every member of your family for whom you have received forgiveness.

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