Experiencing God's Love and Forgiveness, Part 1

Relationship and Fellowship with God

Your relationship with God is secure because, through Christ, you are forgiven and accepted by God.

In addition to providing this secure relationship, God also desires for you to walk closely with Him and communicate with Him throughout each day. This is called fellowship.

When we choose to sin, our relationship (our position as God’s children) is not affected, but our fellowship is interrupted.

Relationship with God:

• Began when you
 received Christ
 (John 1:12)
• Is everlasting
 (1 Peter 1:3, 4)
• Maintained by God 
 (John 10:27-29)
• Never changes
 (Hebrews 13:5)

Fellowship with God:

• Began when you
 received Christ
 (Colossians 2:6)
• Can be hindered
 (Psalm 32:3-5)
• Maintained in part by us 
(1 John 1:9)
• Changes when we sin 
(Psalm 66:18)

How can you consistently experience fellowship with God?

Need for God's Love and Forgiveness

Sin is a barrier for both Christians and non-Christians. Sin keeps us all from experiencing God’s love. But many people are confused by what sin is and what it is not.

What is sin? It’s more than cheating, lying, immoral behavior, etc. These actions are only the results of an attitude of sin. A simple definition of sin is: doing what we want instead of what God wants – both in actions and attitudes.

What are the results of sin? For non-Christians, sin prohibits a relationship with God (Romans 3:23). Unbelievers who try to live good, moral lives are still separated from God.  For Christians, sin inhibits fellowship with God. (1 John 1:6-8)

All of us sin. Therefore, you and I both need to experience God’s forgiveness for our attitudes and actions.

The Basis for God's Love and Forgiveness

Christ’s death is the basis for forgiveness to bring us into a proper relationship with God. (1 Peter 3:18)

Christ’s death is also the basis for forgiveness in our daily fellowship with God. (Colossians 2:13, 14)

In the day when this was written, “list of sins” meant an itemized bond nailed to the prison cell door. It listed every crime for which the prisoner had been convicted. When the sentence was served or restitution paid, the authorities removed the list and wrote “paid in full.” The prisoner used this as proof that he could never be tried for those crimes again. The believer who trusts Christ’s payment for sin can never be tried again. You have full pardon from God.

What difference will it make in your daily life to know you are totally forgiven?