1. April 13, 2011 Lesson Twenty-Three

2. Key Question: What's God's forgiveness all about?

3. 1. How does God forgive sins? a. Romans 4:6-8* God freely credits me with righteousness, that is, he justifies me Righteousness: a right, sinless standing Justify: to declare not guilty, acquit b. Isaiah 53:5, 6* This is justice because Jesus has paid for our sins Redemption: Jesus' work of paying my debt to ransom me

4. 1. How does God forgive sins? c. John 1:29* In fact, Jesus sacrificed himself for all the sins of the whole world. Objective justification: God freely justifies (declares not guilty) all sinners, because Jesus paid for all the sins of the world

5. 2. How do I benefit from God's free forgiveness? a. Titus 3:5* I cannot earn God's forgiveness. If I try to, I lose it self-righteousness (work-righteousness): Trusting in the goodness of what I do to make me right before God b. Romans 3:22, 28 The Holy Spirit works faith in me that trusts only in Jesus' righteousness

6. 2. How do I benefit from God's free forgiveness? c. Ephesians 2:8, 9* All of this is a gift of God's grace Grace: Love that we don't deserve Subjective justification: The truth that all the benefits of God declaring me not guilty belong to me only through the faith God's grace works in me.

7. 3. What certainty does God want me to have about his forgiveness? a. Philippians 3:8, 9* God's forgiveness comes entirely from Christ's righteousness, not my righteousness. Christ's righteousness is perfect. b. Matthew 11:28, 29* Certainty in Jesus brings my souls rest and peace with God every day

8. 3. What certainty does God want me to have about his forgiveness? c. Titus 3:7* This certainty makes me confident that I am an heir of heaven because of Jesus Because God's forgiveness for me is based on Jesus' perfect righteousness, I have the certainty of peace with God now and life forever in heaven.

9. Court of Justice Judge Criminal Attorney Criminal = Us Crime = Sin Punishment = Death, Hell Evidence = our entire life Attorney = Jesus Defense = Jesus paid for all sins Verdict = Not guilty, righteous Result = Peace, life Justify, Justification

10. Key Question: What's God's forgiveness all about God's forgiveness is based on Jesus' righteousness and is mine only through faith in Jesus