It’s human nature, time and again, 24-7, mankind sins. We can’t help ourselves. We sin in thought, word and deed. Yes, there are millions and millions of folks who have pleasant thoughts, speak kindly to others, and always offer assistance above and beyond—but they are still sinners.

And since all sin and fall short of God’s glory, man needs a way to make ourselves right with God. We need atonement to free us from sin. And that atonement comes to us in the form of our savior, Jesus Christ!

Revelation 1:5 …and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,

Praise God, our savior forgives sin!

Saving us from sin is the reason Jesus came to earth. Jesus Himself gave us this explanation when the people of Jericho questioned why Jesus was dining at the house of their thieving tax collector, Zacchaeus. Immediately after Zacchaeus admitted his sinfulness and indicated he was changing his ways, Jesus offered this response:

Luke 19:9-10 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

But Zacchaeus isn’t the only person Jesus offered immediate forgiveness of sin. The Bible declares many instances that Jesus forgave, even though local teachers of the law questioned His ability.

Mark 2:7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

The truth is, Jesus, Son of God, has full authority over heaven and earth.

Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Jesus was given the power here on earth to forgive from His heavenly Father. And Jesus used that holy power during His three years ministering in Israel. Jesus used it to demonstrate His love for us, thus conveying His desire that He wants us to spend eternity with Him in heaven.

The true power of forgiveness, and the desire to offer forgiveness to mankind, is beautifully spoken during Jesus’ time on The Cross. Though his act of sacrificing himself for our sin is truly unmatchable, many of those standing at the horrific scene still did not understand that Jesus really was who He claimed to be—the Son of God.

However, even though many did not believe Jesus’ claims, those in His presence during His cruxifixction were able to hear Jesus’ first statement after being nailed to The Cross. A statement showing us that Jesus, even as He gasped for breath from exhaustion and pain because of the unjust punishment mankind was laying upon Him, Jesus still loved us and wanted us to have forgiveness for our sin.

Can you imagine this incredible scene? Honestly, I’m beginning to tear up right now, knowing how Jesus was dying a torturous death for my sins!

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

These are the first words Jesus spoke after being nailed to The Cross. Jesus asks that God forgive His haters. This offering of Jesus’ divine love to sinners speaks volumes on the unquestionable love Jesus has for all. As His unidentifiably bruised and battered body hung dying at His accusers hands—Jesus asked God to forgive His killers.

What did Jesus say from The Cross

Are you in need of a savior right now? Do you have sin that needs confessed and forgiven? You know you can turn it all over to Jesus right now, and instantly you will be forgiven, just as Jesus forgave Zacchaeus. Jesus loves you and gave His life so that you can spend eternity with Him in heaven.

Now is the time to ask Jesus to forgive your sin. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com:

“God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!”

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To learn and share the importance of keeping God’s name holy, order copies of my book, LIFT HIM UP DON’T PULL HIM DOWN, @ LULU.COM or AMAZON.COM for your next Bible study.