Forgiven

The title of this blog might be a word you have never heard before. It is a transliterated Hebrew word pronounced "Say-lakh" (With lots of throat thrown into the "kh"). Why this word?

It is a word in the Bible used for "Forgiven" or "Pardoned."

It reminds Christ followers we are just like everybody else, yet unlike anybody else. We are like everybody else because we are traitors to our Maker, the One who "created [our] inmost being; [Who] knit [us] together in [our] mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13). But why do we do commit such an offense against our Lord? Because our hearts are "deceitful above all things, and desperately sick" (Jeremiah17:9).

But we are unlike anybody else because we are forgiven. We have acknowledged our sin and need for a Savior and have transferred our trust to Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). This means we have the assurance of salvation and hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. He puts all our mistakes and flaws behinds and remembers them no more. He forgives.

Although Christians are saved through faith by grace alone in Christ (Ephesians 2:8), we still struggle with our fallen bodies on a daily basis. As we fight this battle against the Enemy every day, we must not forget what our position and hope in Christ is: "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works" (Titus 2:11-14).

What inspired the title of this blog? What caused me to think and dig a little deeper about this wonderful word "forgiven"?

It was the lyrics to a song performed by Skillet:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forgive me now because I have been unfaithful
Don’t ask me why because I don’t know

So many times I’ve tried, but was unable
This heart belongs to You alone

Now I’m in our secret place, alone in your embrace
Where all my wrongs have been erased
You have forgiven

All the promises and lies
All the times I compromise
All the times You were denied
You have forgiven

Forgive me I’m ashamed
I’ve loved another
I can’t explain because I don’t know
No one can take Your place
And there is no other
Forever Yours and Yours alone

Take me to our secret place
(We’ll leave the world away)
I get down on my knees
Feel Your love wash over me
There will never be another
You’re the only One forever
And You know I’m Yours alone
~~~~~~~~~~

"I Praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
~Psalm 139:14