There are several hallmarks of the Gospel message and forgiveness of sins is right up there near the very top of that list. In fact much of the “good news” that makes up the Gospel is that we can be forgiven when we make Jesus the Lord of our lives.

Jesus commanded that forgiveness be preached: Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:45-47 (NIV)

The Apostles responded by making Christ’s death on the cross to forgive our sins the center piece of their message. Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39 (NIV)

Given our need to be forgiven and relieved of guilt, you might think this message of forgiveness would be joyfully welcomed by one and all. But in reality it’s not all the popular with people. Not because they don’t want to be guilt free, but because they want to be forgiven on their own terms.

That usually means that at the very least I have to do something to earn it! But that’s not in the Gospel message, and there’s no forgiveness to be found down that road at all.

This is why the message of being saved by grace has been and continues to be attacked, mocked, ridiculed and twisted throughout church history. Nothing is more offensive to the human soul and our massive egos then the message that forgiveness is free because it has to be free! We are totally unable to create forgiveness by anything we do or don’t do, and thus are forced to rely on God’s grace alone!

People hate this message, they fight it, they deny it, they lie about it (we are saved by grace through faith after everything else we can do, etc.), and even laugh at it.

All of that are just different ways to run away from the terrible truth that if you want to be forgiven, you can only be forgiven on God’s terms alone!

To find forgiveness we have to lay down our egos, let go of our pride, humble ourselves, and give all the credit to Christ and Christ alone!

So the next time a non Christian friend fights the idea of finding forgiveness through the cross of Christ, or find yourself doing the same sort of thing, think about all this, lay down your self, take up your cross, and rejoice in the forgiveness that only Christ gives, and only gives it on His terms!