Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ"...
This passage of scripture teaches us the solemn truth that our sins are not yet blotted out, even though we may have been forgiven by God. Forgiveness and blotting out of sins are two entirely different aspects of the plan of salvation, for the former prepares the way for the latter, if we are found faithful when our names are called in heaven. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, He forgives us of all our past sins, and then He bids us walk in newness of life, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. But often times we find ourselves falling into sin during the growing process, and we must then return again and again to the throne of grace to find pardon and peace. Let's read:
Proverbs 24:15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: 16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
However, we must be aware of the fact that everything we do, whether it be good or evil, is recorded in the books of heaven, and the reason why this must be done is because we do not know if we will be found faithful to the end, and thus it becomes necessary for the angels to record all our doings, so that when our names are called in the investigative judgment, a clear determination based on facts can be made as to our eternal destiny, and it is at this said time, that if we are found to be abiding in Christ, that our sins are then scheduled for final blotting out, nevermore to be remembered or mentioned in the heavenly courts. Let's read:
Exodus 32:31 And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. 32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. 33 And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
There is a false gospel now in circulation which teaches its adherents that once saved, they are always saved. But instead of leading people to true repentance and reformation in lifestyle and behaviors, this doctrine instead creates a false sense of security, whereby many Christians are convinced beyond all doubt that their passport to heaven is signed, sealed, and delivered. And instead of doing deep soul-searching to see if we are in harmony with the principles of God's law and His righteousness, we are prone to develop a sort of arrogant self-confidence that boasts of spiritual security in Christ.
But if the doctrine of the final blotting out of sins were to be studied and appreciated as it ought to be, it would prevent us from believing that our salvation is tamper proof, no matter what we may do, and thus it will have the effect of causing us to walk humbly with God. The scriptures teach us that it's only those who endure to the end shall be saved, and therefore, until we reach that time, we are advised to keep our eyes on Christ, ever learning of Him and being transformed daily by His power, so that when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of The Lord, we may be granted an abundant entrance into the abodes of bliss. Let's read:
Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Let us therefore not be carried away with smooth doctrines which sound good to itching ears, but are void of truth and sound, scriptural exegesis, but let us instead look unto Jesus, The Author and Finisher of our faith, so that we may be changed from glory to glory, even as by The Spirit of The Lord. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reminds us that the books which contain every thought, word, and deed of God's professed people, are now laid opened in the heavenly courts, and the decisions that are made when our names are called will determine our eternal destiny. Let's read:
Daniel 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. 10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. "Good night" and God bless!