Many Christians live in a state of rebellion. No, not because of the habitual sins that they commit but because they do not fully trust that Jesus provides forgiveness of sins. They do not trust that His grace is sufficient.
"Whatever is not of faith is sin." (Romans 14:23)
Our forgiveness, righteousness, and holiness are completely dependent on Jesus. His blood cleanses us from acts that lead to death (Hebrews 9:14), also know as "useless rituals" and self-righteousness. People want to believe God for "more", whatever that may be, but simply cannot because they have not accepted the forgiveness of sins.
"The forgiveness of sins is not the doorway into Christianity. It is the foundation of Christianity." - Adolph Saphir
Jesus hates self-righteousness. Why? Because the righteousness, holiness, and purity are dependent on the individual and not on Jesus. In this belief, we trample on his sacrifice. Ultimately he hates the belief that causes people to not accept his love when they are at their worst, in the depths of their despair, at rock bottom. This belief is built on a foundation of self-righteousness. This thought causes its owner to rely on their own self for validation, strength, purity, forgiveness, and love. These cannot be gained through ourselves but only through Christ in us, providing grace and peace.
Paul prays that we would understand the depth and greatness of Christ's love for us (Ephesians 3:14-19). He wants us to stretch our capacity and understanding of his love. But Paul doesn't start this letter with this prayer. He starts it with a reminder that we have the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God's grace (Ephesians 1:7). Notice that it says nothing about the forgiveness being earned or derived from anything that we are able to produce.
Only Jesus.
If you want to believe for more or stretch your capacity to continue to receive or believe greater things about Jesus, you must first fully embrace the forgiveness of sins.
