Statement #1

  Statement #1:  "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."  (Luke 23:34)   Ignorance does not make a person any less a sinner.   "None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."  1 Corinthians 2:8   "And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.  But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He thus fulfilled.  Repent, therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out . . ." Acts 3:17-19   Jesus interceded on our behalf to make available what every sinner needs most: forgiveness. The cross is the visible display of what was required for us to be forgiven.   " . . . because He poured out His soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors."  Isaiah 53:12 Every sinner needs forgiveness, because every sinner is guilty. Every sinner needs forgiveness because without it we remain separated from God. Every sinner needs forgiveness because without it we remain under His wrath. "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."  John 3:36 Every sinner receives forgiveness when he/she confesses and repents (turns away from) of sin. (Acts 3:19)     Jesus was able to pray this because His sacrifice met the righteous demands of a Holy " . . . for this is the blood of My covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."  Matthew 26:28 "  . . . and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." Hebrews 9:22 " . . . and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin"  1 John 1:7   Jesus intercedes for us as we seek to forgive those who have wounded At the pinnacle of His pain, mercy and grace were on His lips. As believers, Christ in us gives us the grace and mercy we need to forgive those who have deeply wounded us.