EVIDENCE OF THE ELECT OF THE LORD. The kingdom of the Lord is made visible by those who are its citizens. In the first place, they give evidence of a holy life. A life which is unsullied by the uncleanness of this age and world. Because of their commitment to the Lord they are His beloved. They live in His love, therefore, not only do they love Him, but love one another. They are identified as a people who have great heart felt mercy and compassion. An emotion arising from deep within, with exceptionally strong feelings of kindness and a great desire to meet the needs of others. They show forth a humility of mind which is comparable to that of the Lord Jesus. Meekness is also a virtue which is demonstrated by them, for they manifest a mild and peaceful spirit. Patience is also a part of that Christian attitude which they have inherited from their heavenly Father. Col. 3:12
FORGIVENESS. A gift of the Lord. None ever reach the greatness of the forgiveness which Jesus accomplished. His prayer on the cross is the very pinnacle of forgiveness. Without anger or rancor Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him. Father forgive them. That prayer not only included all those who were physically involved but also all of mankind for we are all equally responsible for His death, inasmuch as He died for us. Luke 23:34 To receive and to give forgiveness is one of the greatest spiritual experiences available to us in this life. Greater still is the ability to bear with those who may irritate us in some manner. That requires the real love of Christ. When offenses have occurred, in the body of Christ, it is extremely necessary that forgiveness be activated. A measure of forgiveness which is equal to the forgiveness which we have received from the Lord. That means total and complete forgiveness, the event is forgotten and obliterated fully from our memory. Col. 3:13
THAT WHICH THE LORD CANNOT REMEMBER. The forgetfulness of the Lord is in regard to confessed and forgiven sin. Amazing, yet most wonderful. He will not remember our sins. We may stand before Him and reiterate our sinful life and He would have to respond, I cannot remember it. When He has so fully forgiven us our sins, why do we go about testifying of what we were, when in sin? It is a sin to dig up the old garbage. Isa. 43:25 The Lord goes beyond that and declares that He will remember their sins no more.” Jer. 31:34c Heb. 8:12, 10:17 Our iniquities have all been drowned in the depths of the sea. Mic. 7:19 The Lord has thrown all our sins and iniquities behind His back. Isa. 38:17 As if though that were not enough, He covers our sins. Ps. 85:2 He pardons and forgives all of our transgressions. Mic.7:18 He makes propitiation for them, that is a full and absolute atonement for all the iniquity which we have committed. 1 John 4:10 When the Lord has accomplished such a full and complete work of salvation its about time that we too blot out the past and cease bragging about it.