Our salvation begins with our recognition that we need a Savior.  However, we can’t see our need for a Savior if we don’t see our sin or hold ourselves accountable for the sins we commit.  Bottom line:  Sin separates us from God – our creator and the Lord of heaven and earth.

Adam and Eve were forever separated from God when they sinned against Him in the Garden of Eden.  They were banished from the garden – the place where they enjoyed a close relationship with God.  They walked with Him and talked with Him every day.  But shame entered in when they ate the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden.  Then, to make matters worse, Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent for the decision each of them made.  Genesis 3

Sin is not based on perception. 
It is based on the truths found in the Bible.

God forgives sin.  Jesus told a prostitute to “go and sin no more”.  When men brought the woman to Jesus, He began to write in the sand.  He told them, “’Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.  At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’  ‘No one, sir,’ she said.  ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’”  John 8:7-11 (NIV)

Our Lord wants us to hold ourselves accountable for our own sin.  For when we confess, the Lord’s forgiveness is the balm to our souls.

I John 1:9 (NIV) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Ephesians 1:7 (NIV) “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace…”

Forgiveness is cleansing.  Forgiveness is God’s love poured out on you.  Restore your relationship with Him.  If you aren’t sure where to begin, begin with this prayer.

Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

~ Take it to heart ~

Consider your life.
Consider your sin, for you are responsible for your decision.
Praise God for His forgiveness and unfailing love.

Psalm 103:12 (NIV) “…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

“…Forgive us our trespasses…”