Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels!

You Are Forgiven

1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Julie Lessman packs her novel, A Passion Denied, with words of wisdom and inspirational truth. In this novel you continue to watch the O’Connor family grow as John Brady and Izzy fight for their love.

We also meet a new character, Mary. She joins Izzy and Brady for Bible study. During one conversation she reveals her uncertainty that God could and would forgive all sins.

A hoarse laugh erupted from her throat. “I’m not sure God can forgive everything.”

“He can and he will. You can count on it. The Bible is riddled with sinners he’s forgiven—cheats, murders, prostitutes, you name it.”

(Julie Lessman, A Passion Denied, page 142)

I love this reminder. The Devil works hard to keep us trapped in our sin, shame, and regret. He places labels on us that drag us down under their weight, keeping us from living to our full potential.

God on the other hand gives us labels that free us from our sinful prison. Forgiven, loved, chosen, and child of God are just a few. Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross and freely offers forgiveness to everyone who repents and bows down before Him. It is a glorious feeling when He lifts the weight of our sin, and the labels Satan has given us, off our shoulders!

If you are struggling today to accept the fact that God and will forgive you of all your sins, then please read your Bible! As Julie said it is riddled with real life accounts of sinners like you and me, who God not only forgave, but used to further His kingdom!

True to Julie’s writing style, she has packed many more inspirational messages in her novel. However, this message trumps them all. It is the one message we need to save our souls and secure our place in Heaven.

Pastor Jim Brown likes to call it your exit plan. Where will you go when death claims your earthly body? Do you have an exit plan?

My exit plan is Jesus Christ. Not only do I know where my next breath will be when I breathe my last on earth, but He walks with me every day. I know I am a child of God, and I am secure in His love. With Him I don’t just survive the challenges of life on earth but thrive in them!

My prayer is for you have that same hope in Jesus Christ. If not, then I encourage you to seek Him. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!