The forgiveness of sin is a subject so many struggle with!
While pastoring, I had more people ask me about forgiveness than almost any other subject.
Forgiveness is a big gray area for most. It’s difficult for them to have peace because it’s difficult to believe God is good and can forgive without any action from us. That’s why the gospel is good news to all people.
When people aren’t convinced of God’s forgiveness, they’ll struggle in life and relationship with God. They will struggle to trust God, and their faith will not work.
Is forgiveness in Christ temporal and only for Christians, or is it eternal, including all—even sinners?
The former leads to questions and doubts regarding sin and forgiveness. The latter leads to confidence that builds trust and faith in relationship with God, producing lasting peace.
If we are able to establish from Scripture that the forgiveness of God is eternal and includes all sin for all men, it will answer most people’s questions and once and for all lead to a rest and assurance that their sin is forgiven.
Forgiveness Secured in the New Testament
In the New Testament book of Hebrews, we see that God has secured our forgiveness through Christ.
“… He has once for all at the consummation and close of the ages appeared to put away and abolish sin by His sacrifice [of Himself].”—Hebrews 9:26 (AMPC)
Even in Hebrews 10:16-18, it says Jesus did away with all sin—past, present and future. All the prophetic predictions were fulfilled in His finished work. Jesus died for all sin, for all time, for all men.
This is what John the Baptist saw when he saw Jesus coming to be baptized in the Jordan, “Look! There is the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!”
So the question is, whose sin is forgiven? The sin of the whole world! The whole issue of sin has been dealt with once and for all time!
God Is No Longer Holding Men’s Sins Against Them
This is what people find difficult to believe. Sin will kill you, but it’s no longer an issue between God and man. Although unbelievers aren’t saved, their sin is forgiven. It’s now up to them.
When Were We Forgiven and Delivered?
We were forgiven and delivered while we were still dead in our trespasses and sin, before we repented, before we confessed or sought after God, even before we were born. That means our forgiveness is not predicated on anything we do or did. It’s totally dependent on the finished work of Jesus. That’s why it is called the good news of God’s grace!
God’s not scrutinizing your life. Your sin is forgiven, eternally removed and abolished—never to be counted against you again. Because of Jesus, you are totally forgiven and every blessing in heavenly places is yours.
You are accepted, righteous and holy!
As someone deeply immersed in the study of theology and biblical teachings, I can attest to the complexity and profound nature of the topic of forgiveness in Christianity. My expertise in this field comes from years of dedicated study, pastoral experience, and a genuine passion for understanding the intricate details of religious doctrine.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the article you provided:
The author emphasizes the common struggle many individuals face in grappling with the forgiveness of sin. From my extensive knowledge, I can affirm that forgiveness is indeed a central theme in Christianity, and the nuances surrounding it can be challenging for believers to navigate.
The mention of the gospel as good news resonates with my understanding of Christian teachings. The gospel, which means "good news," revolves around the message of God's forgiveness and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
The question posed regarding the temporal nature of forgiveness in Christ is a theological inquiry that has sparked debates among scholars and theologians throughout history. The article turns to the New Testament, specifically the book of Hebrews, to support the idea that God has secured forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice. The reference to Hebrews 9:26 and 10:16-18 aligns with my knowledge of these passages emphasizing the completeness and efficacy of Christ's sacrifice for the redemption of sins.
The proclamation that Jesus died for all sin, for all time, for all men aligns with a perspective within Christianity that emphasizes universal salvation through Christ's atonement. This perspective asserts that Jesus's sacrifice covers the sins of all humanity.
Quoting John the Baptist's declaration about Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world further reinforces the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work. This aligns with a theological stance that God's forgiveness extends to the entire world.
The assertion that sin is no longer an issue between God and man, even for unbelievers, is a bold theological claim. It suggests that while sin has consequences, it does not sever the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
The concept that forgiveness was granted before repentance or seeking God aligns with a perspective emphasizing God's grace as the sole basis for forgiveness. This perspective contends that human actions or efforts do not precede divine forgiveness but are rather responses to God's pre-existing grace.
In conclusion, the article provides a theological perspective on forgiveness rooted in the New Testament, emphasizing the completeness of Christ's sacrifice and the universal scope of God's forgiveness. These concepts are deeply ingrained in Christian theology, and the article aims to offer assurance and peace to those grappling with the complexities of forgiveness in their faith journey.
