From the archives of Oral Roberts
The words of Jesus from the Cross were all validated when Jesus rose from the dead! Everything that Jesus said before His death about the “new testament” or “new covenant” that God was cutting with mankind was put into effect the very instant Jesus brushed the dust off His graveclothes and ascended to His Father.
What did Jesus say that is a part of His “new deal” with us? First, He said that we have a covenant right to perfect forgiveness. The most basic need of humanity is forgiveness. Man desperately needs forgiveness for his wrongs against God and mankind. The first words of Jesus from the Cross were words of forgiveness: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). There is forgiveness through the death of Jesus for every person who receives the crucified Christ into their hearts. As John wrote in his Gospel, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12).
Is the devil telling you that you can’t be saved, that you’ve sinned beyond the point where God can forgive you? Don’t believe him! Call him what he is — the father of all lies. Point him to this verse and say, “There’s forgiveness for ME in the new deal that Jesus made on the Cross.”
And then, put yourself into position to receive that deal. Ask God to forgive you of your sins, to cleanse your life, and to fill you with His Holy Spirit.