Eighth Sunday after Trinity – Monday

In whom [Christ] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. —Ephesians 1:7.

My dear Christian, do you know how the matter really stands concerning that most precious gift of God, the forgiveness of sins?  It is given us by the grace of God; for, surely, we have no claim or title whatever to the forgiveness of sins; and, to be sure, it is given us out of the great and inexhaustible riches of the grace of God, for we are very grievous transgressors. And it is given us for Christ’s sake. Not from a baseless impulse of grace does God forgive sins; that would be against His righteousness, against His holiness, and against His justice, which is a consuming fire, as well as against His truthfulness, the truthfulness of His Word, in which He threatens to punish transgressors.

But in Christ, our Savior, who bore our sin and our punishment as our Substitute, we have redemption, through His blood, and, as a result of that redemption, God forgives us our sins. And by the Gospel of God’s grace in Christ, the forgiveness of sins is made known to us, yes, and offered unto us. And through faith, through faith in this gracious Word of God concerning our redemption in Christ and the resulting forgiveness of sins, we receive and accept the forgiveness “of sins” (Acts 10:43 b). And thus we have it. This is how the matter stands concerning the forgiveness of sins, and not otherwise.

And now, Christian, be strengthened in your faith and confidence that God’s rich grace, the forgiveness of all your sins, has been earned for you by Christ, your Redeemer. Rejoice in all that God has done to save you; and say by Spirit-wrought faith, worked through the Gospel: “I believe the forgiveness of sins.”

PRAYER – I thank Thee, most merciful God, that of Thy pure grace for Christ’s sake Thou dost, at all times, through the Gospel, offer me forgiveness of sins, that treasure which alone can save me. I have but, by Thy pure grace for Christ’s sake, to receive it freely by faith. Now, then, my God, I pray Thee, continue to preserve and strengthen me in this faith, by the gracious working of the Holy Ghost, working through the Gospel, that I may not fear nor doubt, but continue to trust and rejoice in the salvation which Thou dost give to me freely and without price: the forgiveness of all my sins. Amen.

He shows to man His treasure,

of judgment, truth, and righteousness;

His love beyond all measure,

His yearning pity o’er distress;

nor treats us as we merit,

but lays His anger by.

The humble, contrite spirit,

finds His compassion nigh;

and high as heav’n above us,

as break from close of day;

so far, since He doth love us,

He puts our sins away.

 (Hymn 34, st. 2; TLH)