Psa 103:2-3 Bless the LORD, .. 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, …
The spiritual benefits bestowed upon believers are of utmost importance and should never be overlooked. Among these benefits, the forgiveness of sin holds a significant position as it serves as the gateway to other blessings. In order to receive and retain these blessings, it is crucial for us to first be made whole. A leaking vessel cannot retain what is poured in it. By having our sins pardoned and removed, which previously hindered us from receiving good things, we are restored to God’s favor. This favor then allows Him to bestow upon us His abundant blessings.
Think of the story of the paralytic man brought to Jesus by four men in Matthew 9, Mark 2, and Luke 5. Before physically healing the man, Jesus dealt with his sin. Just as sin is the root cause of sickness, the remission of sin brings comfort and recovery from illness. In Psa 68:19, it is stated, “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah.” While we may not require physical healing every day, the need for pardon is constant. Each day, we engage in thoughts, speech, or deeds that require forgiveness. As mentioned in Lam 3:22-23, “Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; …” Pardon is a daily necessity that should never be forgotten or taken for granted.