The forgiveness of our sins is very important. We can’t get to heaven without receiving forgiveness which comes through Jesus.
Solomon in the Old Testament showed us the importance of the forgiveness of sins when he prayed for Israel.
If your people Israel are defeated by their enemies because they have sinned against you, and if they turn back and acknowledge your name and pray to you here in this Temple, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel… 2 Chronicles 6:24-25
In Solomon’s prayer, he anticipated that Israel would mess up. So instead of waiting until they did sin against God, he prayed ahead of time for their forgiveness.
In his prayer in 2 Chronicles, Solomon used the word “if” 5 times in a negative context. After seeing the history of Israel maybe he should have used the word “when”, instead of “if”
Solomon began his prayer the way we should always begin our prayers. He lifted up the name of the Lord and exalted Him.
O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven and earth. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion. 2 Chronicles 6:14
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, He used the same pattern.
Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10
Solomon Prayed for Israel Before They Sinned
Solomon continued by mentioning sins that Israel may commit. Sins that would bring about famine or sickness. Or sins sending them into captivity. Whatever sin it may be!
After each time when God’s people would repent. And after they would ask forgiveness of their sins, then Solomon prayed something like this.
. . . then hear their prayers and their petitions from heaven where you live, and uphold their cause. Forgive your people who have sinned against you. 2 Chronicles 6:39
In chapter 7, the Lord responded to the prayer that Solomon prayed. God told him that He had heard his prayer.
He also told him the conditions under which He would hear of Israel from heaven.
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
God also reminded Solomon about the covenant He made with his father David. He said one of David’s descendants will always rule over Israel. But then God gave a warning.
But if you or your descendants abandon me and disobey the decrees and commands I have given you, and if you serve and worship other gods, then I will uproot the people from this land that I have given them. 2 Chronicles 7:19-20
We Must Seek Forgiveness for Our Sins
If, or when we mess up. We must pray, seek the face of God, and turn from our sin. We can receive forgiveness for those sins in the name of Jesus.
Did you notice how God responded to Solomon’s prayer? He said, “if my people who are called by my name. . .”
God is calling your name at this very moment. He wants you to be one of His people. Turn from your sinful ways by asking Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins.
Even if you’ve been serving the Lord for years and there is sin in your life. Humble yourself and pray and ask the Lord for the forgiveness of your sins and He will forgive you.
Keep the slate clean and don’t let anything interfere with your relationship with Jesus. Sure, we’ll mess up now and then. But each time we go to Him, He will forgive us.
Check out these related posts.
- What’s The Best Way To Seek Forgiveness Of Sin?
- When Someone Unintentionally Sins, What Happens?
- How Does My Sin Affect Other People?
- It’s Important To Know How Sinful We Are
- Will God Forgive Me If I Keep Sinning
- How To Be Free From The Slavery Of Sin
- Punishment from God Because of Sin
Lord, sometimes it’s hard to walk in alignment with your Word. I pray the Holy Spirit would help me stay on the right track. Forgive me today Lord and thank you for making the forgiveness of all my sins possible.
Read How God offered forgiveness of sins to His people in 2 Chronicles 6.
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