Aphesis – The Presidential Prayer Team

In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins – Colossians 1:14

The New Testament is filled with letters from prominent leaders of the early church to different churches around the Ancient Near East. As was the tradition with letters during the time, they started with a greeting from the writer to their audience. It is easy to skip over these greetings, thinking that there is not much to learn or gain from them, but every part of the Bible has purpose, meaning, and knowledge to teach.

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Colossae, speaking of his thankfulness for his brothers and sisters and their faith and hope in Jesus Christ. Like the Christians of today, the members of the church in Colossae had heard and believed the gospel of Christ. Paul wanted them to be filled to overflowing with a love for God and His will because he knew what an incredible gift God had given them through Jesus.

The forgiveness of sin is the foundation of the gospel of Jesus. The ancient Greek word for forgiveness, aphesis, literally translates as “a sending away.” Your sin and guilt is literally sent away because of Jesus’ work on the cross. This fact should never become commonplace or “old news.” There is permanent, unchanging redemption through Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection.

In your prayers today, thank God for His forgiveness. Ask Him to give you fresh understanding and perspective of this wonderful knowledge. Pray that He would also make this gift known to those who govern the nation, that they would lead from hearts that seek to honor Him.

Today’s Verse: Colossians 1:14

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: 1 John 1:1-10

 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— ²the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— ³that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

⁵This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. ⁶If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. ⁸If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.