Infinite Gifts – By Desmond Ford

Infinite Gifts – by Desmond Ford

Jul 1, 2016 2162

We want forgiveness of sin. Many people are sick because they are guilty. They are sick because of things they have done. They need to learn about the cross. The done has been undone. Many can’t sing, can’t rejoice, because they feel bad about what they have done, about how they have treated loved ones, or ones they should have loved. But the gospel takes away guilt.

People will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy. Matthew 12:31 NRSV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. l John 1:9

Whoever comes to me I will never drive away. John 6:37

How wonderful!

Here are the infinite gifts: the gifts of forgiveness, the gifts of righteousness. This is the righteousness of God, not of humanity. I can’t manage with the righteousness of man. My ideals are much, much higher than I ever reach. Paul’s confession is mine every day, every conscious hour, “Wretched man that I am.” There isn’t a believer who does not experience falling short continually.

Whoever says as they should say? Whoever thinks as they should think? Whoever does as they should do? None of us.

The law condemns me. So God offers me the infinite righteousness of his Christ, a righteousness I cannot earn. It’s all free, and it starts with blessed poverty, “Blessed are the poor.” It’s not the poverty of Uriah Heep, who went about in David Copperfield, saying, ”I’m a very ‘humble person.” It’s the honest awareness of the fact that, wrapped up in myself, I’m a very small package.

There are two texts I love. One says, “There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:22-23). The other, “There is no difference … the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him” (Rom 10:12).

– Des Ford. Rom 8:27-32. Adapted from “Christ’s Recipe for Lasting Happiness Part 2 ”

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