Philippians 3:12-14
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
When God’s Word says our sins are forgiven, does that mean we are free, or does He still hold them against me? We might say that we are set free, but do we actually walk away from our sinful past and have victory in our life? Using my experience in law enforcement I want to examine the woman in the Bible like a police officer making a report: Name: Rahab. Address: Jericho. Occupation: Prostitute.
We know nothing of the background of this woman of the night. She is the first person that the Israelites encounter in the land of promise that God has led them to possess. Two spies had been sent out by Joshua to spy out the land, and especially Jericho. She was the one who saved them. In return she and her family were spared when Jericho fell.
In Hebrews 11:31 she is mentioned along with the faithful of the ages. In James 2:25 and 26, she mentioned by James as one who was considered righteous for what she did.
Now, that brings us to the practical aspects of the forgiveness of sins in our lives. When we confess our sins, we can begin to live as new creatures. It is certainly not God who brings your sins of the past to your mind and causes you turmoil. If it is not the Lord, it is coming from the other side, and that means Satan. Trust God!
Blessings dear hearts Look forward not back!
– – – Pastor Cecil