Ask and it will be given.

When Moses lead the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai, they witnessed daily the sacrifices given to God (Exodus 29:38-46) at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. An Israelite brought an animal to be sacrificed, placed his hand on the animal’s head to symbolically transfer his sins to the animal for atonement, then watched as the Levite priest slaughtered the animal. The priests then took the blood and splashed it on the sides of the alter, and arranged and burned certain parts of the animal on the alter. This was how God instructed the Israelites to make amends for their offenses. What a lot of work and what a lot of mess.

Today our lives are easier. No blood shed is necessary to atone for our sins. Not because of anything we do, but because Christ already did that when He sacrificed Himself for us on the Cross. He paid the price for our sins. We only have to humbly admit to God that we committed our sin, repent and ask His forgiveness. It is our choice to bring our sin to God. A choice God gave us. Just like the Israelites brought an animal to God for their atonement, we must bring ourselves to God in prayer, in order to receive His mercy.

God’s mercy is different from God’s grace. No action on our part is required to receive God’s grace. We don’t even have to ask for it, He simply gives it freely. However, in order to receive God’s mercy, there must first be sin (and there is always sin). Mercy comes after sin, when we deserve punishment but God chooses not to punish. So to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness, confess and repent of your sins each day.

Christians, let us remember our beliefs, and not permit popular entertainment or certain friends or relatives to influence us into misunderstanding the Word of God. Keep focused on the name of God, who He is, and He will grant us peace.

If confessing sins and asking for forgiveness is not part of your daily routine – now is the time to start. You still have the choice to turn your wrong doing over to God. After you pass, you will have no choice. It will be too late. After you pass there will be consequences to pay, for He has told us this already.

God is holy, perfect and pure. He will not be defamed by any type of sin against His holy name. Live your life in honor to The Name before your time runs out. The decision is up to you.

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