"But with You there is forgiveness" Psalm 130:4.
When Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, it legally freed all slaves. The meaning of the word emancipation is to be freed legally from the power, restraint, or control of another, especially from being held in captivity. The meaning of forgiveness is to be released from bondage -not by legal writ issued by an outside power, but by mercy issued personally.
When God forgives your sin, He frees you from your bondage under the power of sin and death. Jesus broke the power of your sin and death through His death and resurrection. He now holds the keys of sin and death, and gives emancipation, freedom, and life in His name to all who believe in Him and trust in His personal mercy.
This emancipation is proclaimed to you every time you hear the Gospel of Christ. He frees you so that you no longer live in fear of death, but rather live the dynamic, hope-filled life of faith. You are free, free indeed!
-Dale
