But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.
–1 John 1:7

As a small boy, I was surrounded by people who told me that forgiveness was not possible; that I would be punished for all the sins I committed in my life.

Their warnings about a merciless hell terrified me.

I wanted forgiveness. I wanted peace. I thought surely it was somehow possible, but everyone I asked told me otherwise. I was only ten years old at the time, but already I felt there was no hope.

Then one day a friend asked me to go with him to a meeting and I went. The speaker there told us what I had been longing to hear: that forgiveness was possible. He told us that our sins could be forgiven and forgotten by God.

After he was done speaking, I asked, “How can I be forgiven?” The speaker read to me from the Bible. One of the verses he read was today’s verse.

I learned that if I believed in Jesus as my Savior and Lord, I could have an abundant life (John 10:10), and an eternal life in Heaven with Him (John 3:16).

I didn’t need to hear anything more. I believed in Jesus 100% as my Savior and Lord. I confessed all my sins and the peace of Jesus came to me (1 John 1:9, John 14:27).

I was free at last! I still am — thanks to Jesus, I am forever free. You can be, too.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Thank You for giving me freedom from the bondage and condemnation of sins. Because of Jesus’ blood on the cross, I am free, free at last. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Reflection

Have I accepted Jesus as my Savior and received forgiveness for my sins? If so, praise God! If not, will I allow Jesus’ blood to make me right with God and give me the peace I am searching for right now?