Approaching a relationship with God Sin Consciousness vs.

Grace consciousness People generally gauge the quality of their relationship with God based on the amount of sin theyve committed. Jesus clearly shows that this sort of mindset is detrimental and at the core Pharisaical (Luke 7:36-50, Luke 18:10-14) A purpose of a relationship is never to increase in levels. The purpose of a relationship is always depth and intimacy (Ephesians 3:18-19). Sin consciousness will never help in your relationship with God. So many people dwell on their sins, when God says Ive forgiven and forgotten (Psalm 103:11-12, 1 Cor. 13:5, Hebrews 10:12-17). It is not neglecting sin. It is realizing how much greater grace is than your sins. (Rom 5:2021) -Grace is not a license to sin. Grace freed you from sin. (Rom 6:1) Sin and Forgiveness Sin is often defined as doing the right or wrong thing. In this scenario God is always waiting and anticipating to see whether we do the right or wrong thing. Hence the primary purpose of life is to sin or do not sin. In this case sin is Gods problem. Why? Because its God that has a problem with us not following his rules. Sin understood as a disease changes everything. For if sin is a disease that ultimately produces death (Rom 3:23) then sin is my problem. As a disease reveals symptoms, so sin will continue to cause decay and reveal the symptoms of the broken heart. Jesus shares (Matt. 7:17-20, Matt 12:34-35) In this case sin is understood as our problem. So why does God have a problem with sin? Because a loving Father will not stand and watch as their child suffers from sickness and death. Properly understood the answer to sin is not more good works than bad works. The answer to sin is life because sin produces death. This is why Jesus says, I have come to give life (John 10:10)

Jesus did not come to balance the scales of good works and bad works. Jesus came to rescue humanity from its bondage to sin (Rom 6:16-19, Heb 14-15)

Forgiveness Crucial questions to answer: Who forgives me? Psalm 103:3, 2 Corinthians 5:19, Matthew 9:5, Mark 2:5-10, Luke 5:23 When was I forgiven? Luke 15, Luke 23:34, Mark 2:5 How am I forgiven? (Heb 9-10) How do I become forgiven? How much am I forgiven? Psalm 103:3, Rom 8:3 Now what do I do? Eph 4:32, Col 3:13

Key Question: Is repentance (penitence/penance)? Does repentance initiate forgiveness or it is a response to forgiveness? The word for repentance is the greek word (metanoia). The word metanoia means to change ones mind/thought/belief. Key Question: Must you confess your sins to be forgiven? (1 John 2:5-10) How much? How sincere? Confess to one another (James 5:16) to reenact the gospel in each others lives.

Why is our understanding of forgiveness so crucial? How does it shape how we view others and ourselves? Example: Luke 7:47-48, Eph 4:32, Col 3:13,

Forgiveness is not that my sins are covered, but that they are completely washed away. As if it never was there (Colossians 2:14, Hebrews 9:14).

Identity in Christ Sinner or Saint? You cannot be both. -Romans 6:11-14 -1 Corinthians 3:16-17 -1 Corinthians 6:19-20 -2 Corinthians 5:17 - Galatians 2:20