Text: 1John 1:1-9
Memory Verse: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…”1John1:9
Introduction: Who can forgive sin? How is forgiveness to be gotten? Can all sins be forgiven at once? What am I to do to be forgiven? These are major questions which today’s lesson attempts to answer.
1. WHO CAN FORGIVE SINS?
- Only God can forgive sin – Mark 2:7; Isaiah 43:25
- Don’t be afraid to go to God if you accidentally sin.
- Don’t seek medium for forgiveness
- God forgives our sins through Jesus Christ
- Jesus demonstrated his ability to forgive sins before his death – Luke7:48 and Mark 2:9
- After his death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus still has the mighty power to forgive sins.
- It is not late yet, your sin can be forgiven. He said, “Come unto me all ye that labor” Matthew 11:28 (Pressed by sin) Act 13:38
Discussion: John 20:23; Colossians 3:13
2. HOW IS FORGIVENESS GOTTEN?
- Through the mercy and compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ. Psalm 78:38
- By believing in the shed Blood of Jesus. Ephesians 1:7
- The blood of animal is useless in the process of forgiveness. Hebrews 10:4
- God shed the blood of animals only as a symbol of the great and pure blood of his son, which was to be shed for the sins of the whole world. Leviticus 17:11
- God therefore never asks you again to shed any blood to secure forgiveness. Hebrews 9:12, 22
3. CAN ALL SINS BE FORGIVEN AT ONCE?
- Yes whenever Jesus forgives, He forgives all. Psalm 103:3 ; Psalm 32:1-2 ; Colossians 2:13
- Why does He have to forgive all sins?
– Sin no more matter how small or great will lead to hell.
– Any sin not forgiven will prevent the sinner. Proverbs 28:13
– Sinner would spoil the heavenly glory so sin would not be allowed in. Revelation 21:27
4. WHAT AM I TO DO TO BE FORGIVEN?
- Repent from sins. Acts 2:38
- Confess and forsake sins Prov 28:13; Psalm 32:5
- Forgive others. Matthew 6:15
- Then pray for strength from above so that sin would no longer have dominion over you. Romans 6:14
Class activity 1- Why is God angry with unrepentant sinners?
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
If you confess all, he will forgive all. Read Romans 6:11-23
ASSIGNMENT
List out the difficulty you often encounter when it comes to forgiveness of others.