In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7).
Did you know the Bible doesn’t actually instruct us to ask God for forgiveness? More so, God didn’t even make provision for your forgiveness in the way most people think. Rather, He did something far greater; He gave us remission.
Forgiveness means to pardon. That is, the wrongs or sins that the offender committed remain on record, but he or she is no longer held accountable or punished for them. This is how men forgive. But that’s not what God did in Christ Jesus. The New Testament introduces us to the greater reality of remission.
1 John 1:9 says, “…he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins….” But the Greek word translated forgive there is actually “aphiemi,” which is from “aphesis.” This word does not primarily mean “pardon.” Instead, it means “to send away,” “to take away completely,” or “to separate from.” That’s remission, not forgiveness. God didn’t leave your sins on record and then pardon you. No! He removed them completely; they were taken away, blotted out.
This is why we don’t keep asking God to forgive us. In Christ, our sins were remitted; they were washed away, not covered up. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus provided full payment for sin, resulting in your total justification.
Some quote verses from Matthew, Mark or Luke, to justify a forgiveness-based mentality. Jesus’ teachings in those gospels were to a people still under the old covenant before His death and resurrection. But now, we’re new creatures in Christ, and God has no record of your sin: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). You’ve been cleansed, justified and sanctified. Blessed be God!
Prayer / Confession
Dear Father, I thank you for the eternal remission of sins I have in Christ Jesus. I walk in the light of my righteousness, knowing that sin and its attendant effects have no dominion over me. I live boldly and confidently, enjoying unhindered fellowship with you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Responses