Mark Cowper-Smith
When I thought about what I wanted in a blog it was clear to me I wanted to engage in thoughtful dialogue around interesting questions and issues. I also wanted a place to answer peoples questions about their relationship with God and the Bible. Others thought these sorts of dialogues and Q and A would be of value to people, hence the blog.
I also wanted people to feel safe asking questions they might be hesitant to ask anywhere else. I want to encourage free thought, hence the tag line, “A safe place to ask questions, a safe place to think outside the box.”
So right below here in the comment box – ask me a question.
The great thing is you can use an anonymous name if you want and I won’t even know who is asking. Now is that a safe place or what?
Mark,
You stated during service this Sunday that innocence is restored to us. My mind is having trouble excepting that I’m actually innocent when I know that I’m guilty of sin almost daily. I love the idea of being innocent so I can feel free to commune with him more easily, it also feels right in my spirit that we are innocent. Can you advise on accepting this characteristic back into my life.
Thanks
Jeff
Great question Jeff! And a truly important one. We are told that God does not look at our sin, that He does not see it. This is founded upon the fact that Jesus paid the price of our sin 2000 years ago. While this is true in one sense it is not true in another. God does not look at our sin for the purpose of punishing it – punishment has already happened. God does not look at our sin for the purpose of judging us – He did that when Jesus died on the cross. But, God does look at our sin for the purpose of freeing us from it’s destructive effects in our lives here and now.
When we sin, we hurt ourselves, others and [in our own eyes, because our consciences survive our conversion] our relationship with God. Just because the eternal consequences of sin have been removed from us does not mean that sin has disappeared from our lives here and now. We continue to sin and it has serious negative affects in the quality of our lives here and now. Satan uses our present sin to bring condemnation upon us in order to drive us away from receiving, enjoying and passing on, the love of our Father. Shame is his principle tool in accomplishing this. Our remedy is to bring our sin to God as soon as we become aware of it. When we do this He speaks forgiveness to us. The forgiveness is already accomplished but we need to hear it to defend ourselves from condemnation and shame. Sin has effect in our lives well beyond the legal consequences of breaking law. If God were only a judge in a court of law then the cross is the end of the matter.
If God is our Father and desires an ongoing intimate relationship with us then our present sin, even if it has been pre-forgiven still becomes a problem for our relationship with Him. My wife may have said, “I know you have a problem with being short tempered, so I am going to forgive you in advance for every angry outburst for the rest of our marriage.” Even if she was telling the truth and had forgiven me for future failure, I would still come to her to ask for forgiveness because I love her and my anger, at least in my own eyes, has come between us. She does not need me to ask for forgiveness, I need to do it for the sake of my love for her. I do not want anything to come between us. Sin has emotional consequences as well as legal ones. Seeking forgiveness deals with the emotional damage. Having said all this, God has restored your innocence to you and it is your birthright as His child. Nothing can take this away from you. Whenever Satan or your conscience attempts to condemn you, remind yourself that the requirements of the law have been satisfied and that you can come to God immediately with you sinful action and He will immediately speak the forgiveness you need to silence the voice of your guilty conscience. YOU CAN LIVE IN INNOCENCE AS A DAILY REALITY! Hope this helps.