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December 24, 1998, Thursday
Is forgiveness a gracious trait to extend to others at all
times of the year or just at Christmas? Do people consider
freedom an important blessing during the Christmas season?
Why are many believers filled with joy and hope at Christmas
and remember to do many good things for others?
John explains to us the importance of confession to God
and it is the condition for our forgiveness from Him---
"But if we confess our sins to God, He will keep His
promise and do what is right: He will forgive us our
sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing" (1John 1:9).
He forgives us not because we deserve it, but because
of His mercy and grace. Since He forgives us, we should
also forgive others.
Paul tells us that regardless of our station in life
or our circumstance, His sacrificial death freed us--
"And we know that our old being has been put to death
with Christ on His cross, in order that the power of
the sinful self might be destroyed, so that we should
no longer be the slaves of sin; For when we die, we are
set free from the power of sin and since we have died
with Christ, we believe that we will also live with
Him" (Rom 6:6-8). Our association and identification
with Him frees us. He is happy that one
would remember the freedom that He brought us.
Isaiah spoke to Israel concerning the Messiah that was
to come and explained that His power will come from the
Spirit of God, not by physical might or political power,
but by right and justice--"The Lord says, "Here is My
Servant, whom I strengthen— the one I have chosen, with
whom I am pleased. I have filled Him with My Spirit,
and He will bring justice to every nation. Because He has
forgiven and freed us from sin, He will also fill us with
His Holy Spirit for works of righteousness.
Let us remember who is the God that sanctifies us as a
holy people. God's name is Jehová Mekaddesh, He is the
Lord that sets His people apart. He completely cleanses
us from all unrighteousness. He completely liberates us
from the power of sin. He completely fills us with His
Holy Spirit. Lift your hands to Him and Praise Him today
for His mercy, purpose, and will to sanctify us!
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