The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

THE FRUIT OF FORGIVENESS

First Chronicles 20:1 – 3 differs from its companion passage in 2 Samuel 11. This account, written after the exile, omits mention of David’s sin with Bathsheba, the low point of his life. This omission provides a beautiful illustration of full forgiveness through Jesus Christ. While sin always has consequences, God’s grace ensures his people are not permanently marked by the worst days of their lives or the worst thing they have done.

In Christ, the guilt of sin is not simply waved off or disregarded. Jesus purchased forgiveness on the cross. Redemption and pardon are never free — they are bought with the precious blood of Christ and then offered to men and women as gifts of grace (Eph 1:7). One of the great benefits of salvation through Jesus is that his people become new creations in him — the old life disappears and a new one begins (2Co 5:17). The stains from old sins and the regrets from ungodly choices — marks of disgrace on the lives of those adopted into his family — are erased forever, thanks to Christ’s work on the cross (Isa 1:18).

Jesus, I thank you for purchasing my forgiveness. Thank you for making me a new creation, one free of shame and disgrace. Amen.