Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. – Psalm 32:1
Sin is real. Sin is a present threat to our daily peace and faith. One of the main calls to action in the New Testament is repentance. Turning away from sin is a lifelong effort and one that requires dedication and sacrifice. However, repentance is fleeting without the reality of forgiveness.
Forgiveness unto new life is the heart of the Gospel message. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ came to save us from our sins, but He also worked out our salvation, forgiving us of sins past, present or future. He was able to forgive primarily because He is God the Son. Furthermore, because God is just, Jesus paid the price for sin on behalf of His people. His blood covers us in His righteousness. Thus we are blessed for just being one of His by grace.
Still the call for repentance rings out throughout the New Testament. Why? This new life given by Jesus Christ is incompatible with sin. We are called by grace through faith unto good works. And good works require us to abandon bad or evil works. So brothers and sisters, enjoy the white robe cleansed by the righteous work of Jesus and wear it well.