Forgiveness Cont.

"The trouble with our ideals is that if we live up to them, we become impossible to live with.

The tilted halo of the saved sinner is worn loosely and with easy grace. We have discovered that the cross accomplished far more than revealing the love of God. The blood of the Lamb points to the truth of grace: what we cannot do for ourselves, God has done for us. On the cross, somehow, some way, Christ bore our sins, took our place, died for us..

The save sinner is prostrate in adoration, lost in wonder and praise. He knows repentance is not what we do to earn forgiveness; it is what we do because we have been forgiven." The Ragamuffin Gospel - Manning

Romans 3:21 "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

"What we cannot do for ourselves, God has done for us." How comforting are those words when we feel powerless to change...to forgive ourselves. Someone asked me recently if we can truly be healed of childhood issues that formed us at an impressionable age. I have to believe that healing is possible...but it is through a relationship with Christ - not self will and determination.