Although we feel like we struggle with many difficult life circumstances, the biggest problem we face in life is our sin.  Our life-long sin pattern keeps us from the God who loves us.  If this barrier is not dealt with, it results for us in death and judgment.  (Romans 6:23, Hebrews 9:27)

“If You, Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?”                 Psalm 130:3

Gospel means “good news.”  It is indeed.  As Paul was being examined by King Agrippa, he related the vision in which God assigned him his mission in life:

“. . . to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.”        Acts 26:18

God is very picturesque in the way He describes the thoroughness of the forgiveness He offers:

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.”                           Psalm 103:11-12

“Lo, for my own welfare I had great bitterness;
It is You who has kept my soul from the pit of nothingness,
For You have cast all my sins behind Your back.”                                 Isaiah 38:17

“He will again have compassion on us;
He will tread our iniquities under foot.
Yes, You will cast all their sins
Into the depths of the sea.”                                                                           Micah 7:19

O God, we are so undeserving of Your forgiveness!  You are so generous!  We are awestruck by the depths and heights of your forgiveness.  This undeserved gift is unspeakably motivating!  Help us to live henceforth lives that are deeply marked by our gratitude for your grace!