East From The West

"As far as the east is from the west, 

So far has He removed our transgressions from us." 

- Psalm 103:12

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I've never been good at directions, or finding my location on a map, but even I know that East is one way, and West is the complete opposite way. Even I, in my directionally challenged mind, can understand that those two points never meet. 

I think this is why God chose to speak so plainly about how our sins are forgiven. He wanted to put it in terms people could understand: East from West. People are able to get that. It's simple, right?

Well, actually, the idea is very simple, yes. God separates our sin from us, as far as the East is from the West. The statement is clear. But is it easy to let this verse sink deep into your soul, allowing you to live in peace, knowing that you're forgiven?

I think, for most people, the application of this verse is harder. 

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Why are we so easy to extend God's forgiveness to others, reminding others of God's love for them, and tell them how easy it is to be forgiven, but not do those same things for ourselves?

Why do we believe that our sin, is the unforgivable one? Why do we believe that our sin, is the one God will remember?

Don't take this the wrong way, but you're not special enough for that. 

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Hear me out, this is a good thing: 

The LORD God Almighty, Make of Heaven and Earth, Creator of all, inspired scripture for all, written in it's entirety for all human kind, from the beginning of time to the end of time.  Scripture will never change, our God will never change. His word is complete, final, and true. 

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." - Revelation 22:13

"Then the angel said to me, "Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true. The Lord God, who inspires his prophets, has sent his angel to tell his servants what will happen soon." 

- Revelation 22: 6

"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll." 

- Revelation 22: 18-19

So what He tells us, we can believe. We can take Him at His word, and know, that the words written in scripture, are for us. This promise of forgiveness is for you. It's for me. 

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When we say to God: "Well, You could never forgive my sin, it's too much!" You are telling Him: "I know You gave Your word, but You don't understand God, I'm a special case. Your word isn't enough for me!"

And that's just not true. You aren't special enough to be singled out like that. You are part of God's creation, He knew you before time, and you are included in the thought that inspired this promise. 

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, 

before you were born I set you apart…" 

- Jeremiah 1:5

God knew you before you were. He knew what you would do, and He knew what He would need to forgive, and He said He is able. 

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 

- 1 John 1:9

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God's promise is clear: Your sins are forgiven, and cast away from you as far as the east is from the west. As in, they will never return to you again. 

Scripture is true, we can take God at His word, knowing that each promise is for us, and will stand until the end of time. 

And finally, we can trust, that our God is willing and able to forgive us our sins when we ask Him to. 

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The next time you're feeling like your sins are just too much for God to forget, remember these things, and remember: you're just not special enough for that. God's promises are for you too, given to you too, and will be completed in your life when you allow God to work.