Forgiveness

Forgiveness is what is freely offered us through the atoning sacrifice and resurrection of Christ in light of the divide caused by sin between man and God. This is to say that although we as humans screwed up and did what didn't please God, He chose to offer a way to come to him again. He accepts us with open arms if we accept His terms of the offer. The offer is this: believe in my Son who I sent to die for you, believe I forgive you through Him and I will receive you freely. Those are the terms: believe in His Son. That is the offer: to be cleansed (forgiven of sin) and come into His presence. This is an everlasting offer, with everlasting terms. This can always be entered into at any point by anyone. He never changes, and will never change this, we only have to believe to receive.

And why would we want to do this? Who wouldn't want to be in the presence of and be friends with One who knows us inside and out, yet loves us, who knows our name, the number of hairs on our head, our thoughts, our concerns, out joys, and cares genuinely about each and every one? A One who offers unending love, unending joy, unending peace, a companionship and friendship that lasts forever, and who helps us to reach our fullest potential and our greatest destiny? Who offers advice, gentle correction, a close-knit family, and life eternally?

It does cost - it costs the anger of the world that will hate that we've entered into a perfect relationship that they have yet to discover and cannot offer themselves. That cost is worth it. His love, His forgiveness, His presence is worth it more than any other thing there will ever be.