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Why Forgiveness Wasn’t Free

by | Feb 17, 2026 | New to the Space

New to the Space

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr 

Why did Jesus have to die?

WEEK 3 DAY 2 — WHY FORGIVENESS WASN’T FREE

Why Justice Had to Be Satisfied

When someone hurts you—do you want forgiveness… or justice?

We all believe in justice when we’re the wounded party.

The question is whether we want God to be just when we’re the guilty ones.

Romans 3:26 (paraphrased) says God put Jesus forward so He could be just and still justify sinners.
In other words—God didn’t relax His standards.
He met them Himself.

God is not a judge who says,
“I know the damage was real… but let’s just move on.”
That’s not compassion. That’s corruption.

At the cross, God doesn’t cancel justice.
He fulfills it.

Grace is free to us—but it was costly to God. He gave His only begotten Son to give his life in payment for our sin.

Would you trust a God who forgives evil without confronting it?

Application:
You don’t need to earn forgiveness today. Justice has already spoken.
So, name your sins.
Accept the forgiveness provided through Jesus Christ.
Express your gratitude to Jesus.

Confession: Let’s say this prayer outloud together.

God,
Thank You that my forgiveness didn’t require You to stop being righteous.
I rest in what You finished.
Amen.

 

 

About our Author

Pastor James M. Armpriester, Jr. worked as a molecular biologist at Procter & Gamble for ten years before becoming a pastor. With over thirty years of experience in ministry, he has been heavily involved in church planting and church health. He has served as a district director in Ohio and North Texas and has been a national leader in curriculum development, coaching, and consulting for church planting and revitalization. Pastor Jim has been the lead pastor of several churches, including New Hope in Cincinnati, Ohio, First Assembly of God in Niagara Falls, NY, and Transformation Life Church, which has multiple campuses in New Jersey.

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