Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #5 — Identity In Forgiveness

Picture: Counsel #5 — Identity In Forgiveness CI 22.1

We’ve all made mistakes; we’ve all sinned. Oftentimes Satan tries to trap us into thinking those mistakes and sins will always be who we are. But our past life doesn’t have to be our identity today! If we have asked Christ to forgive our sins and have turned away from them, then we are redeemed by His sacrificial blood. He sees us as new beings through Himself and His righteousness (Isaiah 43:18, 19) and He gladly helps us turn away from our sins.^[20] CI 22.2

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV CI 22.3

“Jesus sees the guilt of the past, and speaks pardon, and we must not dishonor Him by doubting His love. This feeling of guiltiness must be laid at the foot of the cross of Calvary. The sense of sinfulness has poisoned the springs of life and of true happiness. Now Jesus says, ‘Lay it all on Me. I will take your sins. I will give you peace. Banish no longer your self respect, for I have bought you with the price of My own blood. You are mine.’” Ellen White in Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, p. 259 CI 22.4

Reflect: Jesus has paid the price for your sins. Have you confessed and forsaken them, accepting His full forgiveness? CI 22.5