Do you ever find it difficult to forgive yourself?

Does the enemy of your soul ever whisper that you’re unacceptable to the Lord because you had a subpar day, spiritually speaking?

Oh, you undoubtedly know Bible verses that say you’re forgiven, but do you experience moments when you don’t feel forgiven? When false guilt badgers you and siphons off joy?

If so, Bible truths I’ve been pondering recently may mean as much to you as they mean to me: verses that identify the location of my sins for which Jesus paid.

I put my reflections on this theme in poetic form.  After the poem, I summarize Bible truths and cite specific verses that inspired poem lyrics.

 

Where Are My Sins?

Where are my sins? They’re on my mind;
ones I confessed and left behind.
Sins I commit, even today,
discourage me, keep joy at bay.

Satan taunts and accuses me;
insists Jesus refuses me:
“You’re a disappointment to Him.
Christ’s light of love for you grows dim.”

Then I remember what I’ve heard
God’s Spirit say within His Word.
I put faith in Christ crucified.
He paid my debt—I’m justified!

Where are my sins? Under God’s feet.
He guarantees Satan’s defeat.
Christ’s sacrifice as my High Priest
sent sins as far as west from east.

Where are my sins? Buried deep at sea.
NO FISHING signs posted there for me.
They’re nailed to cross beams at Calvary;
covered by the blood staining that tree.

Where are my sins? God’s eyes don’t see
all the wrongs committed by me.
I am clothed in Christ’s righteousness;
no condemnation or duress.

Conviction of sin breaks my heart,
but does not keep sinner apart
from Christ; His arms are open wide
to welcome me for whom He died.

These truths inspire me to obey
a Savior who loves me this way.
I fail, yet He sustains with grace
until I see Him face to face.

 

 Scriptural Fuel for the Poem

Satan persists in tempting Christ-followers (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus called him “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Revelation 12:10 calls him the “accuser of the brethren.”

A lie he whispers to sensitive believers concerns their sins. He whispers that Jesus is disappointed in us and cool toward us when we fail. We may not feel forgiven, and we tend to carry the emotional weight of sin that Christ paid for on the cross. We see Him pointing an accusing finger at us, rather than welcoming us warmly when we come to Him for confession or the strength we need during affliction (John 6:37).

The Holy Spirit’s painful conviction of sin is a grace that prompts confession (1 John 1:8-9) and prevents worse consequences of continuing the sin pattern.

I need to preach the gospel to myself again and again. Since I put my faith in Christ’s substitutionary death for me on the cross, I am right in God’s eyes (justified) because Christ’s righteousness was imputed to me (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:1-2).

 

According to Scripture, Where Are My Sins?

Trod under God’s feet (Micah 7:19). Cast into the bottom of the sea (Micah 7:19). Removed from me as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:10-12).

My sins were nailed to the cross on which Jesus died (Colossians 2:13-14). God doesn’t condemn me because Jesus was condemned for my sin on the cross (Romans 8:1). Jesus is my High Priest whose sin offering for me was His life (Hebrews 2:17). I have direct access to Him. I can approach Him confidently (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Yes, I still sin, but He empowers me through the means of grace He has provided, enabling me to sin less. Even for a believer, sinful choices may reap painful consequences in this life. But if I authentically trust in Jesus’ death for my sins, He accepts me. My eternal destiny is as secure as Jesus’ blood is precious (1 Peter 1:18-19).

I must choose to use God’s means of grace, and that requires effort (Hebrews 12:14). Yet the key to a more obedient life isn’t in exerting more willpower or trusting in my own spiritual performance. Rather, it comes from falling more in love with Him due to the gracious forgiveness I’ve received. He’s a Savior I want to obey!

Only when I meet Christ face to face in the next life will I be sinless (1 John 3:2-3).

Whew—no sin! That will be one of the best things about heaven!

__________

For more depth on this aspect of the gospel, see these two excellent books:

Elyse Fitzpatrick, Comforts from the Cross: Celebrating the Gospel One Day At A Time (Crossway Books). This is a 31-day devotional geared to women, but I benefited greatly by reading it and marking up the pages.

Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers (Crossway Books). What an encouraging portrait of Jesus and His warm heart for sinners and sufferers!