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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: I’ve done some very bad things in my life that brought me to the point of not wanting to live anymore, and then a friend told me about God’s forgiveness. It was hard at first for me to accept this truth because I, myself, have told others I would forgive them, but I still harbored bad feelings toward those who have hurt me. While it is hard to understand, I’ve experienced this wonderful freedom. How does one explain this life-changing miracle? – G.F.

Dear G.F.: There is nothing more exciting than a personal testimony from a person who has experienced a spiritual rebirth. This is more than an interesting story or fascinating experience. A newborn man or woman has been given so many riches by God.
“Your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake” (1 John 2:12). What a stupendous promise! Throughout the New Testament, we learn that the one who receives Christ as Lord and Savior also receives – immediately – the gift of forgiveness. The Bible says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).
“Forgive me.” “I’m sorry.” “I didn’t mean it.” How often we use those words and they echo back with a hollow sound. But God’s forgiveness is not just a casual statement; it is the complete blotting out of all the dirt and degradation of our past, present, and future. The only reason our sins can be forgiven is because Jesus Christ paid their full penalty on the cross.
Guilt feelings provide the basis for many dramatic plots. Guilt feelings are the focal point of much psychiatric counseling. God’s goodness in forgiving us goes even farther when we realize that when we are converted we are also declared just – which means that in God’s sight we are without guilt, clothed forever with Christ’s righteousness.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)