Fresh Bread - 5/16

Daily Bread

Ephesians 1:7 "In whom we possess redemption through his blood, the release of trespasses according to the riches of his grace."

Have you ever wondered just how forgiven you are? Has forgiveness just excused your debt or has it removed it? When you forgive others is the debt excused or is it totally released and forever canceled? When God forgives you does He restore you to the inheritance and position that you previously had with Him? Are you able to restore others to the position that they had with you before they trespassed against you? The answer to these questions is realized in the meaning of forgiveness! Sometimes the meaning of words such as forgiveness can be confused by misapplication and improper context. However, when we take a moment to remind ourselves of the definition we get a fresh look at the meaning. Forgiveness plays a crucial role in our walk with God because it is the means by which we have been restored to a place of relationship with Him. Forgiveness is also a responsibility that God has placed upon us. If we are unwilling to forgive then we will not be forgiven. However, if we will forgive those who trespass against us our Father in heaven will forgive us 490 times in a day if we need it. The fact is that forgiveness literally means 'release'. The Greek word 'aphesis' comes from the word 'aphiemi' which means 'sent away.' It also translates the Hebrew words 'shalch' and 'deror' in the Septuagint as in Isaiah 61:1 it mean 'sent away' and 'released' respectively. The Greek word 'aphesis' appears 50 times in the Septuagint. It translates the Hebrew word 'Jubile' in Numbers 36:4 and 'release' in Deuteronomy 15:2 which describes God's release of debts at the end of every seven years or the release and complete restoration at the end of every 50 years. Forgiveness completely erases the offense so that there are no future repercussions of the wrongdoing. Forgiveness also restores everything to the offender so that they may enjoy the position that they held prior to the trespass. When we forgive others from our heart then we can never allow ourselves to treat that individual on the basis of their offense. We must look at their debt as paid in full and the relationship totally restored to the place of a perfect friend. This is the kind of forgiveness that our Heavenly Father has provided for us so long as we will provide the same to those who trespass against us.

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org