As a child, I grew up in an atmosphere saturated with messages about pleasing or displeasing God according to His Word. My mother attended a Christian church, and that influence marked my childhood. With a calm temperament and being an obedient child, I consciously strived to fulfill the written commandments, convincing myself that I was a good person. But one day, everything changed.
Romans 2:1 resonated strongly within me: "You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse!" I realized that, although I did not commit the visible sins I saw in others, pride and judgment resided in my youthful heart. I discovered that self-justification did not make me innocent.
The moment came when I found myself in the heavenly court, in need of forgiveness for those sins, understanding that for God, there are no small or great sins. I confessed and repented of my pride and judgment, and I experienced God's righteousness.
The truth was revealed: we are declared righteous before God when we believe in the sacrifice of Jesus. His grace makes us righteous in His eyes, freeing us from the punishment of our sins. Regardless of the magnitude or visibility of sin, the invitation is universal: "Come now. Let's settle this," says the Lord.
Romans 3:22-25 and Isaiah 1:18 NIV reaffirm the divine promise: "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow." Thus, I realized that I was not good by my own merit, but I needed the goodness of God.
Written by Celia Guevara de Preza, inspired by the preaching on February 24, 2024.
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