THE DEBT PAID!
Psalm
32 declares the blessedness of the man whose transgression is
forgiven and whose sin is covered. This good news is unfolded for us
in Romans 3 where we see how God can be just, and yet the justifier
of the person who believes in Jesus. In the cross of Christ, we learn
the wonderful story of how God cancels our debt of sin, and yet acts
in full consistency with His own character and righteousness.
Do
you know the blessedness of transgression forgiven, and sins covered?
Many years ago, in England, way before the times of government health
care, in a fishing village there lived a fisherman man with his wife
and family. One day, while out shooting, he met with a serious gun
accident, which deprived him of the means of gaining a living for
them. As a result, the family was thrown into abject poverty and
despair. The wife in her distress went to a wealthy gentleman who
lived nearby, to ask him if he could help them. He listened to her
sad story, and then asked her the unexpected question, “Do you owe
money to anyone?” She replied, “Yes, sir, I owe a bill to the
butcher.” So, he went with her to the butcher, asked for the bill
and paid it in full.
The wealthy man then asked if there
was anyone else to whom she was indebted; she replied that there were
also bills owing to the baker and grocer. Having paid them likewise,
the man again asked if there was any one else to whom she owed money;
she replied, “No, sir, that is all I owe;” then handing her
the receipts he said, “Now, my good woman, take these
receipts and go home.” Obviously, she was delighted and departed,
thrilled that the debts were paid.
This is like a picture
of the good news … except it’s not the full story. It’s
similar in that she knew
she was in debt. She asked for help. She got help. Her debt was paid
by someone else. She received the testimony that the debts were paid
(the receipts) and she went away happy, content that her debt had
been paid in full.
Can you identify with her? Have you
admitted your debt of sin? Have you asked the Lord for His help and
mercy? Have you, by faith, received the finished work of the Lord
Jesus? Are you satisfied that your redemption has been
accomplished?
Perhaps, you say, “I’m a Christian, but
I don’t feel my debts are paid. I don’t feel that my sins are
washed away.” But wait a minute … just as the fact of the debt
being paid did not rest in the woman's feelings, so it is with our
sins. Whether we feel it or not, our (the believers) sins have been
paid for.
Do
you need assurance that your sins are paid for, then turn to God's
Word and there read for yourself, “…through
this Man
(Jesus)
is
preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him
all that believe
(not
feel)
are
justified from all things..”
[Acts
13:38].
Again, “Their
sins and iniquities will I remember no more”
[Hebrews
10:17].
But
the benefits of the gospel do not end with our debts being paid. The
gospel brings us not only “OUT OF “but also “INTO.” We are
brought out of debt, ruin, sin, and bondage; into, acquittal,
nearness to God and liberty.
Let me finish my story. After
the woman had gone home, the rich man returned to the shops, and
asked if they knew where the lady lived. On finding out, he asked the
merchants to send her meat, groceries and bread each week.
This
is a picture of the heart of God. He not only meets us in our ruin,
He provides salvation for time and eternity. He goes much farther
that the rich gentleman for He adopts us into His family forever [see
John 1:12-13; Galatians 4:4-5; Romans 8:14-17; Ephesians 1:5; 1 John
3:1].
That’s salvation.
And that’s the Gospel Truth!
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