Forgiveness

[Ian J.T. Garland]

What is the difference between utilizing God's grace/forgiveness as David did and taking advantage of God's grace? How do you sincerely repent when you have made a conscious choice to sin?

[Victor]

True repentance is turning and not going back. Jesus told the adulterer, go and sin no more. Anybody who willfully says I'll sin and then I'll ask for forgiveness has got it all twisted. We're trying to be clean at heart, not to sham our Faith.

[Cassandra Shepard]

David's prayer of repentance for his sin with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah can be used as a prayer model for all Christians (Psalms 51). Every Christian struggles with their own weaknesses; however, we can overcome any weakness and not sin by becoming more complete in God and feed the spiritual body. David made a conscious decision to covet another man’s wife. Thankfully, when he recognized his sin he immediately pleaded for forgiveness. In other words, if we do sin we must remember that we do have an advocate with the father. However, we should never forget how God commands us not to sin and not to allow sin to reign in our mortal body. David sincerely repented because he desired to be washed, purged, and renewed. Additionally, David vowed to teach transgressors God’s ways, he would sing of his righteousness, and would lead the entire nation to righteous sacrifice. Sincere repentance can be defined by this scripture "He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). True repentance involves confession and a willingness to forsake sin. Without confession, or without forsaking the sin, then we take advantage of God’s grace.