Praying for Forgiveness

Philippians 2.1-16 - verse-by-verse, is the seed-bed for forgiveness. First, we have to come to an understanding of our role in 'becoming' "children of God."

The Apostle Paul and the Apostle John spoke of a process which they each termed 'becoming' "children of God."

John 1.12. "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--" (N.I.V.)

Paul presented a list of traits which he identified with the character of Jesus, in the second chapter of Philippians. After that list he said, "Therefore, my dear friends...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling..." (Phil.2.12 N.I.V.)

His reasoning in writing the 'therefore' of continuing to 'work out (their) salvation' was for this purpose - "...so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault..." (Phil.2.15 N.I.V.) Without 'fault' - forgiven...without spot or wrinkle.

Why the process? Why not just accept that there is a gift of salvation and presto-bang, we are 'children' in the image of God? It's one thing to have your sins forgiven and it's another thing to come into conformity with the image of Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Christians who do not understand that concept frequently become a blight on Christianity, an embarrassment to the cause of Christ.

Jesus was indeed the Son of God, but didn't consider equality with God something to be grasped...

It is in our process of losing that hubris of who we are and what we presume to be ours, that we 'become children of God' coming into conformity with the image of Jesus.

Philippians 2.5. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6.  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7. but made himself nothing, taking the very nature  of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! 9. Therefore God exalted him..."

That, my friend, is part of being 'forgiven' - for anyone wanting more than 'fire insurance.'

When we pray for forgiveness what do we want? Do we want to escape eternal damnation or do we want to walk as children of God? I'm reminded of the question posed by the old theologian/philosopher when he asked, "What do I love when I love my God?"

What do I want when I call Him 'my' God? Am I willing for the process of 'becoming' to begin?