Resources/Articles
Purge
A certain businessman was notorious for saving almost everything that came across his desk - especially correspondence. Consequently, the files in his office were bulging. One day his secretary asked permission to dispose of all the old, useless material. The man was reluctant, but finally said, “Well all right, but be sure you make a copy of everything before you throw it away.”
If a person wants forgiveness, do you believe they would want to hold on to the “old sin files?” Some Christians handle their sins that way. They cannot let go. They know Jesus paid the penalty, but somehow they cannot let go of the guilt. It is as if Christ’s suffering availed nothing. His pain and agony for sin was not enough. Some people feel the need to contribute to their own anguish and continually mourn over their failures. They want to “keep copies” of everything they have done. How foolish when the blood of the Lamb, Jesus, takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)!
Philippians 3:13-16 makes some very pointed statements to how Paul did not want to hold onto the past. He knew what Jesus accomplished fully in his death. In the Lord’s death, the price for sins was paid - IN FULL! From memory of earlier days comes a vivid recording to watch and listen to over and over again with regret and anxiety. They would not weigh him down.
Instead of cluttering the mind with the past, every Christian needs to fill his or her mind with the work of the future. The Lord forgives our sins. He remembers them no more. Why should we? As one man said, “Guilt is a burden God never intended his children to bear.” Do not make copies of your sins. Let them be forgiven.
