Just what is the basis for the forgiveness God has extended to us? First John 2:12 tells us the answer…”for His name’s sake.” In other words, God has put His Name on an agreement. He has given us His oath that, because Jesus poured out His blood and paid the price for sin, all men are forgiven in His sight. He has put His Name to a document which says He has reconciled the whole world to Himself by Jesus the Anointed, and He is no longer holding anyone’s sin against them. (Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Why did God put His Name on that document? Because of the blood of Jesus. God forgives our sin because He honors the blood. He has said, I will accept any woman, any man, any child from any place in the world regardless of any sin they have committed. I swore it in the blood and I will do it because of My Name.
Considering our sin, it would be just for God to say to us, “Get out of My sight. What are you doing walking in here wanting to be a part of My family? Look at your mean, ugly self! Who do you think you are wanting to come into My heaven?”
But, praise God, He doesn’t consider our sin. He considers the blood of Jesus. He administers justice based on His blood-sworn oath of forgiveness and, because He honors that blood, He justifies us by wiping out all our sin. The Bible says He remembers our sins no more!
Let me tell you, when I sin there is no way in this world I would go before the throne of grace asking God to forgive me on the basis of how many years I’ve been in the ministry. I wouldn’t pull a dumb stunt like that. I’ll just go in and plead the blood of Jesus, because I know God honors the blood.
That’s where my faith rests. I don’t have to wonder what God is going to do. I don’t have to wonder if He will forgive me. I know He will because He swore it in the blood of His own Son.
Pursuit of His Presence, Kenneth Copeland