I am a Jesus pusher!!! Repentance is linked with for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). The Greek word translated remission is “aphiemi.” This Greek word does not focus just on the result or consequence of an action. It always includes the action itself. There is an action of repelling, releasing, or putting away. Repentance is giving up a former thought to embrace a second thought. This change of mind releases the full energy of Christ’s sacrificial love to repel guilt from my life. Sin with all of its multifaceted fingers imprisoning me is literally pushed from me. I am released, delivered, or “aphiemi” from my sins.
This is not something I do; it is a response. In experiencing forgiveness, I do not receive a thing. It is always relational. Jesus literally comes to embrace me. Forgiveness is His attitude toward me; will I respond to it? If I do not respond (repent), then forgiveness is left incomplete. Jesus died on a cross to provide forgiveness; He arose from the dead so He could execute what He provided. He ascended to the right hand of the Father in order to receive the Promise of the Father. He poured out His Spirit so He could embrace me in forgiveness. All is provided. The only thing needed is “my response.” Forgiveness is found in His embrace! I want Jesus! He is all I need! He is my peace, supply, rest, life, assurance, and forgiveness. All is found in Him. No wonder, I am a Jesus pusher!!!