Forgiveness and second chances are hallmarks of the Christian faith. A well-known secular humanist gave an amazing endorsement of our faith. “What I envy most about you Christians is your forgiveness. I have nobody to forgive me.”
We all say we believe in God’s forgiveness, but that doesn’t always translate into our daily lives. Let me give you an example. Paul wrote, “God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29).
This is how many churches interpret that verse: “God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable, unless …”
God can still use us, unless:
- We are addicts.
- We relapse.
- Our sin is sexual in nature.
A young preacher who had fallen to sexual sin asked me, “Do you think I am still qualified to preach?” I responded, “You never were.”
What many of us learned in seminary still applies today: God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called.
Recovery Step: Your “how” may change, but your “if” never will. It’s okay to ask how God will use you in your addiction. But the question of if God will use you has already been settled.
