Forgiveness is a central theme in the Bible. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we see God’s immense capacity to forgive sinful humanity. The Bible makes it clear that all people have sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard (Romans 3:23). Yet God, in His grace and mercy, has provided forgiveness and redemption through Jesus Christ. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about forgiveness and how we can receive it.
Old Testament Basis for Forgiveness
In the Old Testament, God instituted an elaborate sacrificial system to deal with sin and make atonement. When people sinned, they were to bring animal sacrifices to the tabernacle/temple and lay their hands on the animal, symbolically transferring their sins onto it (Leviticus 4:1-35). The animal then died in their place, shedding its blood as a substitute. However, this system was limited in its effectiveness. As Hebrews 10:4 says, “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” The sacrifices could only cover sins temporarily. They pointed ahead to the ultimate sacrifice that would take away sins permanently.
The Old Testament prophets also foretold of a time when God would institute a new covenant that would provide complete forgiveness of sins. Jeremiah 31:31-34 speaks of this covenant whereby God would write His law on people’s hearts and remember their sins no more. Ezekiel 36:25-27 also prophesies about a time when God would sprinkle clean water on His people to cleanse them from their impurities and idolatries. These prophecies set the stage for the arrival of Jesus and the new covenant of grace.
Forgiveness through Christ’s Sacrifice
In the New Testament, Jesus came as the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). As the perfect God-man, Jesus was the only adequate sacrifice to pay for human sin once and for all. When He died on the cross, Jesus bore the punishment we deserve and made complete atonement for sin (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:12). His blood purifies us from sin and reconciles us back to God (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:20). No longer is animal sacrifice required. Jesus’ death satisfied God’s wrath and opened the way for God’s forgiveness to flow to those who place their faith in Christ.
An important aspect of Jesus’ sacrifice is that He died in our place – “the righteous for the unrighteous” (1 Peter 3:18). He did not deserve to die, but willingly gave His life to redeem us. Jesus took the punishment that we deserve for our sin upon Himself. The Bible says, “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities…and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). What grace and love! When we repent and believe in Christ, we receive the forgiveness He purchased for us.
The Basis for Forgiveness
So how can God forgive so freely and fully? It is because the price has been paid through Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus bore the wrath of God in our place so that forgiveness could be granted righteously. God’s justice and holiness were satisfied through Christ’s obedient life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. Therefore, when we are united to Jesus by faith, His righteousness is credited to our account and our sins are erased. As Colossians 2:13-14 declares, “He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” What great news!
Our Part: Repentance and Faith
In order to receive God’s forgiveness, we must repent of our sins and turn to Christ in faith. Repentance involves sorrow over our sin, confession of it, and a resolve to forsake it (Acts 3:19). It means hating what God hates and turning from wickedness. Faith, in turn, is trusting in the promises of God and relying completely on Christ’s sacrifice to cleanse us and make us right with God (Romans 3:21-26). Saving faith involves receiving Jesus as the Lord and Savior of your life (John 1:12). When we repent and believe, we experience the soul-cleansing forgiveness Christ purchased on the cross.
Complete Forgiveness in Christ
The Bible emphasizes that forgiveness in Christ is complete – our sins are both paid for and removed. In Christ, our sins are not just covered, but blotted out and washed away (Psalm 51:1, 9; Isaiah 43:25; Hebrews 9:14). Micah 7:19 declares, “You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Those who are forgiven are set free and cleansed of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). What comfort to know that Christ’s blood redeems us fully!
The Blessings of Forgiveness
Being forgiven by God is the gateway into abundant life in Christ. Here are some of the amazing blessings that come with God’s forgiveness:
- We are reconciled to God and enjoy peace with Him (Romans 5:1).
- We gain access into God’s presence with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 4:16).
- The stain of guilt is removed from our consciences (Hebrews 9:14).
- We are released from condemnation and no longer under God’s wrath (Romans 8:1).
- We are counted righteous before God as joint heirs with Christ (Romans 4:6-8).
- We are adopted as sons and daughters into God’s family (Galatians 4:5-7).
- We receive eternal life and the hope of heaven (John 3:16; Titus 3:7).
Truly, the forgiveness we have in Christ changes everything! It launches us into God’s abundant blessings and enables us to live in the freedom, joy and hope of the gospel.
The Urgency of Receiving Forgiveness
Since we have all sinned and face God’s judgment, it is urgent that we receive His forgiveness through Christ (John 3:18). Our eternal destiny hinges on whether we accept or reject the salvation offered in Jesus. God commands all people everywhere to repent in light of coming judgment (Acts 17:30-31). Yet many neglect this call or mistakenly think they are good enough to merit God’s favor. But we must receive the forgiveness He offers or remain under condemnation (John 3:36). Let Christ’s love compel you to humbly repent and be cleansed by His blood.
Forgiving Others as God Forgave Us
An important result of being forgiven by God is that we are then enabled and expected to extend forgiveness to others. Ephesians 4:32 tells us to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Since we have been freely forgiven, we should freely forgive those who wrong us. God’s example teaches us that forgiveness is not based on another’s worthiness or apology, but on grace (Matthew 18:21-35). We are called to forgive from the heart, remembering how much we have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13). As we do, we will experience greater freedom, peace, and joy.
Assurance of Forgiveness
One question that arises is how can we know for sure we are forgiven by God? First John 1:9 assures that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” We can have confidence based on God’s faithfulness to His promises. But the Bible also says we should examine ourselves to confirm that our faith is genuine (2 Corinthians 13:5). Evidence that we have been forgiven includes:
- A repentant heart that hates sin.
- A resolve to obey God from the heart.
- Bearing spiritual fruit in our lives.
- Assurance from the Holy Spirit.
- A clear conscience before God.
- Victory over sin and temptation.
- A desire to love and serve others.
While feelings come and go, these spiritual realities indicate that God has done a transforming work in us through His forgiveness.
Concluding Thoughts
Forgiveness is a profound blessing that we receive freely through faith in Christ. There is no sin too great for His cleansing blood. As 1 John 1:7 promises, “The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” God delights to show mercy and remembers our sins no more. What wondrous love! If you have not yet experienced God’s forgiveness, turn to Jesus in repentance and faith. Receive the amazing grace offered through His sacrifice. If you have been forgiven, rejoice in this gift, let it move you to love and serve Christ wholeheartedly, and extend His forgiveness to others. There is no greater news than the redeeming power of the cross!
