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“As Far as the East is from the West by Justin Guin”
Some of the word pictures in Scripture are magnificent in their description of biblical principles. In Ps. 103, the Bible describes the forgiveness and steadfast love of God. He does not repay us according to our iniquities (103:10). His love for us is higher than the heavens (103:11). But, my favorite is found in v. 12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” In other words, there is nothing we might do that God won’t forgive.
Perhaps, you’re struggling with sin and feel it is too “big” for God to forgive. Or, Satan has used your guilt against you, and now you feel unworthy of God’s forgiveness. In this verse, God reminds you these are false. He is forgiving (Exod. 34:6), gracious (Eph. 2:4-8), merciful (Heb. 8:12), faithful (1 Cor. 10:13, and just (1 John 1:9). His forgiveness is the greatest blessing you could receive (Ps. 32:1-2).
God’s forgiveness does require action from you. In Ps. 103:13, the Psalmist states, "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion on those who fear him." Walking in reverence for the Lord is the first step in faithful obedience. It is a God-focused attitude. What must I do to be obedient to God? First, you must be submissive to God’s plan of salvation. Jesus Christ established a "better covenant" with his eternal sacrifice (Heb. 10:10, 19-22). You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24), repent of your sins (Acts 3:19), confess that Jesus is Lord (Rom. 10:9-10), and be baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Second, if you’re a Christian, the Bible commands us to repent and pray when we desire for God's forgiveness (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9). Third, you must walk in the light and abstain from the influence of darkness. This blesses you with fellowship with God, and the continual cleansing of Jesus' blood (1 John 1:5-7). And, the blood of Jesus frees you from the burden of sin.
