Ephesians 1:4

even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

I blame myself, I did it and there is nothing I can do to undo any of it.

Philippians 3:9

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith

How can I be found in HIm who is without sin, who has been perfectly faithful?

Philippians 3:8

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

How can I lose the memories of my past?

Romans 3:22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

Is it as simple as believing God no longer holds my past against me?

Isaiah 43:25 “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”

So God does not remember my sins for my sake, but rather for His own sake.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

This isn’t about what I have done but rather what Christ has done for my sake.

I should forgive myself for His sake, not my own.

Matthew 3:17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 12:18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.

Matthew 17:5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

Pleased is the perfect past participle indicating that God the Father is pleased with what His Son has done. In Matthew 3:17 Jesus has done nothing. His ministry had not yet begun.

He had done nothing. He had not sinned.

I wish that I could say the same for myself.

In Matthew 12:18 the Father places His Spirit upon because He is well pleased. That seems right, Jesus never sinned, of course He is worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit.

In Matthew 17:5 they are instructed to listen to Jesus. That is easy for them because Jesus was with them at the time. He has ascended to the throne, what chance do I, a sinner, stand?

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Faith!!! Maybe I have a shot at pleasing God after all.