No Need for Penance!

This past Wednesday began the season in the church calendar that is called, “Lent.”  It is the period of time leading up to Good Friday and ending with the celebration of Easter—i.e. the day we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.  For many, it is a very somber time of the year as they fast meals and/or give up various forms of pleasure that can range from anything like eating chocolate to watching TV or using Facebook.  Why?  Because they have been taught that it is a time to do penance—to repent for sin and then show that repentance by means of some form of self-punishment or sacrifice.  They hope to gain atonement (i.e. forgiveness for their sin) by paying a price for their sin.   

I don’t have a problem with people fasting or giving things up for the sake of their relationship with God. There are times when that is appropriate. But, I am concerned that too many people forget that there is no need for penance in order to receive forgiveness from God.  Yes, we need to confess our sin and turn away from it (that’s what repentance means).  But, we cannot pay any price for our sin. That has already been done for us through the cross of Jesus Christ!  There is nothing more that you and I can do except confess our sin and put our faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ!  

In fact, the Bible tells us this is how God demonstrated his love for us.  Rather than make us pay the price for our sin, which would have ultimately meant death for us, God gave up his Son, Jesus, to pay for our sin through his death.  The result is our sins are atoned for and we inherit eternal life as we receive by faith God’s free gift of salvation.

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 – NIV)

“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2 – NIV)

During this season of Lent, rather than trying to find ways to pay for your sin, why not instead look for ways to draw closer to Christ?  If you are going to fast or give something up, use that time to instead read your Bible or pray or do something to bring blessing into someone else’s life. Use this season to consider God’s great love for you; to deepen your relationship with Christ; to learn how to be a better follower of Jesus Christ. 

Oh, there may be some sins in your life that you need to confess to God and turn away from.  But, the good news of the Gospel is, because of the cross of Jesus we can know that, “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 – NIV)

There’s no need for penance, just faith!

Have a great day! 

Pastor Tim Harris

www.pifny.org