Thanksgiving

The United States of America has set aside the fourth Thursday of every November as a day to be thankful unto God. You may be thankful for many things, but have you ever given thanks for...

I. The Forgiveness of Sin

Because we are sinners, we are thankful that God forgives sins. All men are sinners ad stated in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Your sin is what makes you guilty before God and in need of forgiveness. Ephesians 1:7 says, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sin,.."

II. The Pardon From Punishment

We are thankful that though our sin deserves death in hell, Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection pardoned all of our sin. Romans 6:23 tells us "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Though all of our sins have been pardoned, a pardon is of no value if it is not accepted.

III. The Offer to All

We are thankful that God's gift is for all. God says in II Peter 3:9 that he is, "...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,.." You must decide to accept God's pardon by having "...repentance toward the God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ," Acts 20:21. To receive God's offer of eternal life (Heaven) we must confess and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 says, "That if though shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

The only way to be truly thankful for Christ's payment for your sin is if you have received Christ's pardon. This pardon may be received by repenting of your sin and praying in faith the following prayer or one similar to it:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, please forgive me of my sin, and take me to heaven when I doe. I believe that you died and rose again for me. I am trusting you completely and nothing I can do. Thank you Jesus! Amen

GB
Essie