Forgiveness for All

 John 8:11
Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn you: go, and sin no more.

The power of forgiveness by Jesus is found in the words, “neither do I condemn you.” Who can forgive sin but God. God hates sin and does not tolerate it. The Scribe and Pharisee were not incorrect.  The law was clear what happens to those who violate His commandments. I find it curious that they did not also bring the man who was also found in the very act. God in the OT punishment for adultery was for both the man and the women. It was a serious break of the law to violate one’s marriage vows. The deity of Jesus gave Him the power to overrule the law, for He is the giver of the law. As God in the OT often showed mercy, Jesus who knew the heart of this woman, spoke words of mercy. The laws of our land do not arrest or punish those who commit adultery, but God’s word is not mocked, whatever man sows, that shall he reap. Every man will answer to the deeds done in the flesh when they meet God face to face at the judgment. But as long as we live, there is forgiveness for all who will come to Jesus and ask. He reaches out with tender love and care, and there is no sin that His blood will not cover. It is not God’s plan that man continue in sin, Jesus told the lady to go and sin no more. “He who is born of God will no longer live in sin.” (1 John 5:18). The example of Jesus given to us here, should help us to see that there is hope for all who stubble in sin, and like Christ, we should also show love and compassion.

When Jesus Comes

Luke 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.

Christians sometimes have an OT mentality, “Destroy those who seek to do me wrong”. Such is the sentiment in many OT scripture. God hates sin, and in His time God will judge the sin of this world. For whatsoever a man sows that will he reap. We would like to set all the wrongs of this world right. Rebuke those who live contrary to God’s word. No doubt, we need to stand against the evil of this world and show others the path of righteousness. But Jesus came not to condemn the world, but through Him the world may be saved. The answer to sin is not to change people’s opinion, but to come to the saving knowledge of Christ. When Jesus comes, He changes the heart and the desires of people to live in harmony with God. God does not need us to judge the world of it’s sins, He needs us to live a life without sin, so that others may know that God is real and is able to keep a person unspotted even in a world surrounded by sin.