Forgiveness

Forgiveness is God's gracious act of pardoning sinners and removing the guilt and penalty of their sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is also the calling of every believer toward others.

First John 1:9 promises, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Ephesians 1:7 declares, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Psalm 103:12 proclaims, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Colossians 1:14 affirms, "in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." The forgiveness God offers is complete, removing both the guilt and the record of sin.

God's forgiveness is available to all who confess and turn from their sin, no matter how grievous the offense. The assurance that God removes transgressions as far as the east is from the west frees believers from the weight of guilt and shame. Those who have received God's forgiveness are called to extend the same grace to others.