What Does It Mean to Accept God’s Forgiveness?

In my Disciples II class, we were asked two slightly mind-blowing questions:

• How does the idea that Jesus, your advocate, is praying for you, as He did for Peter, affect you?
• When have you had difficulty accepting forgiveness for your sins? 

Exactly! I felt your breath catch just now while the question marks started swirling. It was the same for me and my classmates. 

The first question left us all in awe. "What? Jesus, to whom I pray, prays for me? Hmmm... the thought never really crossed my mind."

In response to the second question, one of my classmates said, "I don't think I even know what that really means - to accept God's forgiveness." And you would have to know this lady to understand that she is one of the most genuine, kind-hearted, knowledge-seeking Christians I know. Something about the way she said it seemed to have an underlying sadness to it that pulled on my heart strings, convicted my spirit, and made me want to find an answer.

So, here is what I came up with, and I pray that it will be a blessing to all who read it:

To accept God’s forgiveness is to open your heart to the profound grace offered freely, no matter your past. It means letting go of guilt and shame and embracing the assurance that you are loved and redeemed. This act is not simply a fleeting feeling, but a transformative journey—one that asks you to confront your mistakes honestly, to turn from them with sincerity, and to trust in the promise that forgiveness is real and accessible. In doing so, you step into a renewed relationship with God, carrying forward a hope that surpasses regret and a peace that outlasts remorse.

• Acknowledging Sin: Accepting forgiveness begins with recognizing that you have fallen short of God's standards and have committed wrongdoings. 
• “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].”  1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬‬‬‬

• Repentance: This involves a change of heart and mind, turning away from sin and seeking to live in a way that pleases God. 
• “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways, accept and follow Jesus as the Messiah] and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’.” Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭38‬ ‭AMP‬‬‬‬‬

• Believing in Jesus' Sacrifice: It means believing that Jesus, as the Son of God, died on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity, and that through faith in him, forgiveness is available. 
• “I want you to know, my very dear friends, that it is on account of this resurrected Jesus that the forgiveness of your sins can be promised. He accomplishes, in those who believe, everything that the Law of Moses could never make good on. But everyone who believes in this raised-up Jesus is declared good and right and whole before God.” Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭MSG‬‬‬‬‬‬

• Accepting the Gift: Forgiveness is a gift, not something that can be earned through good works. It requires humility and a willingness to receive God's grace. 
• “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].” Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬‬‬‬‬

• Experiencing Transformation: Accepting forgiveness leads to a changed life, moving away from guilt and shame towards freedom and a closer relationship with God. 
• “Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬‬‬‬

• Letting Go of Guilt: It means letting go of the burden of past mistakes and believing that God has truly forgiven you, removing the stain of sin. 
• “I am the one, I sweep away your transgressions for my own sake and remember your sins no more.” Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭25‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬‬‬

• Living a New Life: Accepting forgiveness empowers you to live a new life, guided by the Holy Spirit, and enables you to make new choices, experiencing a different kind of freedom. 
• "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36 NIV

Prayer:

Dear Lord, by faith I accept Your forgiveness and refuse to be a slave to sin You've already forgiven. Today, I confess and move on! I commit to believing Your transforming truths to live fully and freely in Your grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

If you are interested in taking a Disciples class, visit the website: https://beadiscipleapp.com/.