Truth is often held in tension. What does this mean? This means that there is not a safe side on the path of truth but that we lose the truth when we abandon those tenets that keep it in tension. For example, Hebrews 11:6 instructs us that “without faith it is impossible to please Him” but James 2:17 teaches that “faith without works is dead.” These statements are in tension but not in opposition, they actually enhance each other. The truth is seen only when both components of faith are in evidence.
Salvation is commonly seen as a free gift from Yeshua that is available to all who accept it and declare Him as Lord. But receiving this gift costs us. Yeshua says in Luke 14:33 “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” So, salvation is granted freely but comes with a cost—everything we have.
This tension is very apparent as we walk the path of repentance and forgiveness. Forgiveness is freely given to us through the sacrificial death of Yeshua on the cross. However, this forgiveness comes with a condition. Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive [other] people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive [other] people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses.”
Frequently the spiritual obstructions and blockages we experience are because we are unable or unwilling to forgive those who have hurt or injured us. There is reciprocity in our relationship with our creator. It is based on the supernatural knowledge of what God has done for us in Messiah Yeshua. When the Ruach reveals to us the depth and totality of the gift of love and forgiveness we have in Messiah that knowledge opens the flood gates of our own love and forgiveness towards each other.
When we find ourselves hanging on to bitterness or unforgiveness it is a sure sign that we have forgotten God’s overflowing grace and forgiveness granted to us. Repentance is required to remove this forgetfulness that stymies our spiritual progress. Sometimes the most effective tool in bringing repentance involves reminding ourselves of the great gift that God has bestowed upon us in Messiah.
Fortunately, opening ourselves to receive his great gift allows us to open ourselves and pour out on others the all-surpassing grace and mercy we have received. As Yeshua told his disciples in Matthew 10:8b, “Freely you have received, freely give. We discover the truth of Yeshua’s words—If you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
John Conrad
BYNA Elder
