All of us have committed sins in ignorance as well as intentional sins, but the good news is that Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient to purchase forgiveness for all sins.
As we close out our lesson, let’s see how God answered Jesus’ prayer for forgiveness:
"And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Acts 3:17-18
“And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34
Peter was preaching to a large gathering of Jews, and the result of his sermon was that five thousand people were saved from their sins and converted to Christ (Acts 4:4). Five thousand people received the forgiveness that Jesus prayed for them to have. Peter's phrase, "you acted in ignorance," compares with Jesus' prayer to forgive those who "know not what they do."
Jesus was able to not only pray for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him but also to secure their forgiveness through His death in their place. Because of the blood He was shedding, He could pray, "Father, forgive them."
My friend, if you are an unbeliever, please hear this good word for you: Jesus Christ prayed for the forgiveness of His crucifiers before they knew of their need for it. Come today and ask Jesus to forgive you; you will discover, no matter how deep your sins, that "...in Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:14) and "through this One, the forgiveness of sins is announced to you" (Acts 13:38).
If you are a believer, Jesus' prayer of forgiveness tells you not to fear when the accuser, Satan, comes with reminders of your sins to make you doubt, question, and wonder about your acceptance with God. Jesus "made atonement for iniquity" (Daniel 9:24), and therefore no one can "bring a charge against God's elect" (Romans 8:33). Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins, but Jesus did shed His blood, and we are forgiven! Rejoice, believer, for your forgiveness was purchased by Christ, your sins were atoned for at the cross, your guilt is removed, and your eternal life is secure!
“But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” Psalm 130:4
"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;” Romans 4:7
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,” Colossians 2:13
“I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.” 1 John 2:12
In the following podcast, Mike and Jody Cleveland discuss biblical forgiveness and what it means to forgive as Christ has forgiven you.
Question 8. What are your thoughts on today's lesson? Please share:
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.
Damian writes, "This teaching really opened up my understanding. I knew Jesus died for our iniquity, but I never knew how it was accomplished. I knew it was by the blood, yes, but the tenets to how and why I never saw before. I have found a new respect for Jesus. He is becoming more of my friend and Savior from this teaching. Just going with the flow, as I have for so many years, was a travesty, and I now see why my witness was such a weak one, for I never had a grasp of what was accomplished for me on the cross. If I did at one time, it surely got muddled over time and the rigors of sustaining the posture of looking the part and not ever having a revelation of what Christ has done for me."
Rachelle writes, "I want you guys to know that this study has changed how I view the entire Bible. I was raised by godly parents, who taught me a lot about the Bible. I thought I was pretty knowledgeable, but this study has been opening my eyes to parallels and "types" that I've never seen before. Now when I read His Word, I look for the pictures/types that bring me a deeper knowledge of my Lord. I see things I've never seen before, and I'm getting to know my Jesus on a deeper level. Thank you."