Let’s get to it! The fourth step to overcoming the flesh is to walk in forgiveness. Jesus died for the sins of the world. He died once, for all of our sins: past, present, and future. Once we are converted, we can believe that God has forgiven us for all of our past sins. When we sin after conversion, we think that God will not forgive us now because we really did not know and love Him as we should. How untrue!

It is this thinking that keeps some believers in bondage. They feel that God will not forgive them, so they do not forgive themselves. They stop trying to overcome the flesh. Guilt and shame overcomes them. Remember, God’s provision for sin stands even after we are converted.

My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. (I John 2:1-2)

John wrote to believers to keep them from sinning. However, he states that if they did sin, they had an advocate or lawyer before God. He lets us know that even if we sin presently, Jesus will make intercession to the Father for our forgiveness. After understanding all of these things, some do not think that it can be that simple. However, the scriptures say,

Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

If we have sinned, God wants us to come to Him. He wants to help and forgive us so that He can wash us. Proverbs tells us that we should acknowledge God in all of our ways. We fail to realize this refers also to our sinful ways. For in doing so, God can direct us as to how to overcome. Isaiah prophetically reveals to us the heart of God. He wants us to come to Him as a Father and He wants to not only forgive us, but cleanse us also.

Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious acts of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever because He delights in unchanging love. He will again have compassion on us. He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:18-19)

Micah tells us that God pardons iniquities and passes over rebellious acts. A rebellious act is an action that is done intentionally. God will forgive us and cast our sins into the depths of the sea. Our sins will become “lost at sea.” God offers forgiveness. Not only will He forgive, but He will also forget.

I, even I, and the one who wipes out your transgressions for my own sake and I will not remember your sins. Put me in remembrance, let us argue our case together, and state your cause that you may be proved right. (Isaiah 43:25)

We must understand that God loved us so much that He ultimately sent His only Son to die. Why did He die? He died so that we could receive forgiveness for our sins. If we would only accept the forgiveness that God has provided for us through Christ. We would be able to move in faith knowing that He will help us in our fight to overcome the flesh. He provides forgiveness to shield us from His judgment until we are delivered.

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