FORGIVENESS: Receive the forgiveness of your sins by repenting and believing in Jesus Christ - Acts 2:38

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:36-39 NIV

Poem: "THE CRUCIFIXION" by Fran Peck

I laughed and mocked as He walked that day,

up a hill to redeem my soul.

I joined the crowd to spit and jeer, 

and I watched His sorrow grow.

I drove every nail deep in His hands

with every sin in my heart.

My rebellion shoved the thorns in His head,

and my strife tore His robe apart.

I used my hatred to give Him a bitter drink,

and I glared down on Him with pride.

I thought of past disappointments,

and I pierced His side with my anger.

I denied His power, ignored His worth, 

and stood waiting for His life to end.

I watched the last drop of His blood fall,

not knowing my grief would begin.

I looked around to find His accusers,

but no one was there but me.

I looked at my hands; 

they were stained with blood, 

and then I began to see.

Conviction slowly entered my heart,

and I dropped all my weapons of choice:

the pride, the anger, the hatred, the lust,

and then I heard His voice.

"Forgive her Father, I died for her.

I paid the price for her soul,

I bore her sickness and all of her pain,

and now I have made her whole."

He looked down on me with loving eyes.

He saw my present, my future, my past.

He knew I needed a Savior,

and my soul had found Him at last.

I looked around to find His accusers,

but no one was there but me. 

The meaning of "Repent" in the Bible: "To change the mind, or the course of conduct, on account of regret or dissatisfaction; To feel pain, sorrow, or regret, for what one has done or omitted to do."  

Fact: "Jesus Christ paid the great price of your sins on the cross of death, not to change His heart about you, but to change your heart about Him."

Praise for my forgiveness & Prayer of Repentance

My Lord and Messiah, my heart is cut open with sincere gratitude for Your sacrificial love demonstrated by God to the world at the cross of Calvary. I marvel at Your willingness to allow people You created to scoff, mock, torture, and crucify You on a cross. I repent this day of the pain I caused You and turn to You for the forgiveness of my sins. Holy Spirit, I pray for the salvation of my children, family members, and friends who are far away from Christ and feel separated from God. Please use me, other believers, nature, circumstances, or troubles to repent and turn their hearts to faith in Christ Jesus our Savior. I pray in His mighty name.