Conditions of Forgiveness
Manasseh did not have a great start to his religious life - ignoring God and following the ways of the world around him. But listen to the words of 2 Chronicles 33:10-13, and be reminded that nobody is too far from God to be redeemed:
"The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. So the LORD brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon. In his distress he sought the favour of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed to Him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God." (2 Chronicles 33:10-13)
What a turnaround! Manasseh had been the most evil king in Judah's history, and yet he found redemption.
The Path to Redemption
But notice, it wasn't an unconditional redemption. God didn't just grant him redemption because He wanted to. Manasseh did a few things that paved the way for this redemption. First, he "sought the favour of the Lord" (v12). This is an important step for anybody to be redeemed - they must seek God's favour. They can't just ignore God, they must come to Him.
Second, he "humbled himself greatly before God" (v12). There was no marching into God's presence demanding what he wanted. Manasseh had to humble himself to find God's redemption. It's true for us all - as the book of James says "God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble" (James 4:6). Arrogance and self-righteousness have no place in the heart of one seeking God's favour. But when you come to Him humble, knowing that He is God and you are but a sinful human, you are ready to be redeemed.
And then we read that Manasseh "prayed" (v13). It was his prayer that moved God and changed God's disposition to him. Now, personally I don't believe that formulaic prayers are what God is after. So, praying a certain number of Our Fathers to atone for your sins isn't it. But a humble prayer pleading for God's mercy is what is needed.
The Door of Forgiveness is Open
The door of forgiveness is open for anybody! No matter how far you've strayed from God, you will likely never go as far as Manasseh did. And yet Manasseh found redemption when he fulfilled the conditions - when he humbled himself, sought God and prayed for mercy.
Everybody doesn't get forgiven all their sins. But those who do what Manasseh did, receive God's mercy, because Christ's death on the cross covers the sins of all who come to God in this way.
Please, come to God like Manasseh! And like Manasseh, you can know that the Lord is God (v13) as He washes away your sins and welcomes you into His kingdom.
