Forgiveness

While God does call us to forgive others, the Bible primarily emphasizes God’s forgiveness. This forgiveness is inseparably connected to atonement. God does not overlook sin. Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice has covered it. This substitution results in God removing any charge against us (2 Corinthians 5:19), i.e., forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not dependent on our actions. The Bible teaches forgiveness is a present reality because it was already won by Christ: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7). Nothing more can be added because his payment was complete (Hebrews 10:18).

This payment was made for all sin (1 John 1:7) of all people (1 John 2:2). It is personally received through faith.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Ephesians 1:7