The Trinity: The God of Forgiveness (Elohim Selichot)
The Lord is Elohim Selichot, the God of Forgiveness. When you look at God through the cross, you hear Him say, “Forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). How could God forgive those who crucified Jesus? Because they didn’t understand who they were killing, or because they were just carrying out orders. Being vicious was just their nature. God knows all about us, and He knows all of us. If God didn’t forgive, none of us would be forgiven. But, He forgave those who crucified Jesus, just as he’ll forgive you. Just as the very nature of people is to sin, so the very nature of God is to forgive.
Lord, Your forgiving nature is just the opposite of my sin nature. Thank You for forgiving my sin. I don’t deserve it. Help me walk today as a forgiven person.
God has two sides to His nature. God is just—Elohim Mishpat—which means He must punish those who break His laws. But the other side of God is love; God forgives any and all who say, “I’m sorry” and come to Him through Christ. The cross has two sides: the judgment side is God’s punishing sin, and the loving side is God forgiving your sins. Through the cross, you obtained, “Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7).
Lord, I’m glad You don’t kill me every time I sin. I will live today as a forgiven saint. Thank You for forgiveness that daily changes my life. Amen.
Go Deeper: Nehemiah 9:5-38
God’s forgiveness will change you.
