The Victory

While on the Cross, Jesus died for the sins of the world (see John:1:29; 1 John 2:2), tasted death for every person (see Hebrews 2:9) and saved us from the wrath to come (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10). His resurrection declared His victory over sin and death. He is risen! And so, we say, Happy Resurrection Day!

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (NASB).

The Weight of Sin

Unfortunately, there are far too many people who have yet to repent of their sins, call on the name of Jesus and receive forgiveness of sin. While some have not heard the Good News; others have, and having been rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ. Some want to stay in control of their lives; hence, they fail to surrender. Others feel the need to pay for their own sins, because they do have a sense of justice. Unless they repent, the price they pay will be spending eternity in the lake of fire (see Revelation 20:11-15). In the meantime, they will carry the weight of sin squarely on their own shoulders.

There are Christians who feel the weight of sin; even though, they should be free of it. Why? Because they are holding others in unforgiveness. What did Jesus say about forgiving others?

Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

As long as they refuse to forgive, the weight will remain. They may use mental gymnastics to counter the effect; but that’s self-deception. Some believe the lie that says, “Some sins are just too terrible to forgive.” In some cases, the emotions are so strong, they find it extremely difficult to forgive. In their view, it’s impossible. Some have allowed anger and bitterness to decide for them.

If forgiveness is impossible for us to apply in certain situations, God would have never commanded us to forgive without conditions attached. He did not stipulate the severity of the offence. While some trespasses are beyond the pale, they are still forgivable. The only one that is unforgiveable is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (see Matthew 12:31).

  Briefly, this involves attributing His works as evil, or speaking evil of Him.  This includes the outright rejection of God and the New Covenant after receiving His grace. Those who have blasphemed the Holy Spirit are in a state where it is impossible for them to repent, because they are completely reprobate.

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.

Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the Blood of the Covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite (has insulted) unto the Spirit of grace?

To be clear, if a person blasphemed the Holy Spirit, he would not care about it. Which means if you are worried about whether you did blaspheme Him, you did not do it. You can breathe now. A person in that state will not be convicted by Holy Spirit, and thus, they will not repent. It’s not that God isn’t willing for them to repent; they just won’t, because their conscience is completely seared. They have given themselves over to evil.

  We are not the Judge! Those who play God by judging others, place themselves in danger of judgment.

John 7:1-2 Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

How to Cast off the Weight

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

God desires relationship with each of us, and that relationship is not based on heavy burdens. Moreover, He never intended for us to carry the burden of sin. Today is the day of salvation. If you desire to dump the burden of sin, and come into a relationship with Him, then repent of your sins. Call on the name of Jesus, and receive His forgiveness.

Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Acts 2:37-39 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

If you are struggling to forgive others, talk to God about it. Admit to Him what’s going on in your heart. He already knows. Ask Him for help, and He will you give you the ability to forgive by His grace (see Hebrews 4:16). What did Jesus say to the Father about our sin while being crucified?

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

perfectfaith.org