How many times have you done something, either by accident or on purpose, where you were forgiven? Maybe given a warning? Ever get pulled over for speeding, or another driving offense, and be given a warning? What about as a student? I know that I did a few things while I was in school where I was given a warning. Even as a child at home, my parents warned me at times. I know as a parent, we have warned our children on occasion. And I know that often times, I didn’t deserve a warning. Punishment was very appropriate.
But, how does this go along with our faith? Forgiveness and warnings? The answer is probably pretty obvious if you think about it. Jesus forgives us of our sins. Without hesitation he does this because he loves us. Even when we do not deserve it. Actually, I don’t think we ever deserve it. We didn’t earn his sacrifice on the cross. Some argue just the opposite. That our sins, along with those from people before and those coming behind us, are what lead to the cross. So you can see we definitely did not earn what he did for us. We never will. And all we have to do to receive forgiveness is to ask for it. To confess our sins and ask for it.
Let’s move on to warnings. Let’s see how warnings pertain to our faith. Once again, I believe the answer is pretty obvious. We must have faith. We must believe. We must follow the commands. We must do all of these things to inherit the kingdom. The Bible is full of verses telling us this. Very clearly, these are warnings. And let’s not kid ourselves. God is not afraid to punish us. He won’t hesitate if it’s the only way to get our attention. Think about the flood. Think about Sodom and Gomorrah. No doubt those were punishments. Today is a great day to heed these warnings, and move away from sinful actions. Today is a great day for us too turn our eyes on God. Follow his commands. Serve others as we should. Let’s not put ourselves into a position where we need to be forgiven and to be warned. Let’s put ourselves into a position to please God. Let’s put ourselves into a position where we honor the sacrifice Jesus made for us. And let’s put ourselves into a position where others can learn from us. Because God loves us. He always has. He always will.
