Collective/Generational Sin +Collective/Generational Repentance = Freedom

 

Laying the American ideal of rugged individualism and strictly personal sin and forgiveness aside for a moment, let us revisit the concept of collective sin, repentance, and piety that walks alongside the personal

When we say we have no need to confess and repent of the sins of our fathers of former generations from which we have or have not "benefited," we are at odds with numerous scriptures that lay the foundation for such repentance and show the benefits of of it.

And since it was a standard hymn, one can surmise that being done once was not enough.

The memory of our failings and the grace we have received steadies and readies us for a future of righteous choices.

" Both we and our fathers have sinned;
we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness."

(Psalm 106:6 ESV)

" Then they believed his words;
they sang his praise."

(Psalm 106:12 ESV)

" But they soon forgot his works;
they did not wait for his counsel."

(Psalm 106:13 ESV)

" They made a calf in Horeb
and worshiped a metal image.
They exchanged the glory of God
for the image of an ox that eats grass.
They forgot God, their Savior,
who had done great things in Egypt,"

(Psalm 106:19-21 ESV)

" Many times he delivered them,
but they were rebellious in their purposes
and were brought low through their iniquity."

(Psalm 106:43 ESV)

" Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress,
when he heard their cry.
For their sake he remembered his covenant,
and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
He caused them to be pitied
by all those who held them captive."

"Save us, O LORD our God,
and gather us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
and glory in your praise."

"Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, “Amen!”
Praise the LORD!"

(Psalm 106:44-48 ESV)

There is liberation in remembering God's grace to us and the sins in which we have collectively and historically participated - that we might live in obedience and victory. God is gracious, just, and merciful.

Collective repentance as a lifestyle and element of corporate worship is liberating, healing, and renewing.

Why do we resist it so?

"Forgive US OUR trespasses ..."