The Bible is clear that God pardons sins by His grace based on Christ’s work on the cross alone, not on man’s actions. The apostle Paul reminds us that we should have buried our old selves — and our old sins — symbolically through baptism (Romans 6:3; Colossians 2:12). God desires to forget our transgressions as though they had not happened in the first place. Jeremiah 31:34 says, “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Forgiveness of sins and the resulting reconciliation with God are foundational in the new covenant; they are based on the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross (cf. Is. 53:4—6; Mat. 26:27—28; Luke 22:20).
Wounded for our transgressions (Is. 53:5). Christ was crucified because we have sinned and are guilty before God. As our substitute, He took the punishment due us and paid the penalty for our sins — the penalty of death (Rom. 6:23). Therefore, we can be forgiven and have peace with God (cf. Rom. 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ.) Justification through faith brings the believer various results: peace with God, grace, hope, assurance, tribulations, the love of God, the Holy Spirit, salvation from wrath, reconciliation to God, salvation by the life and presence of Jesus, and joy in God.
The best description for today’s message is this: If we go to God seeking with a pure heart in repentance of our sins, He is just to forgive.
“It is finished”.
Blessings,
Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes
The Word for Today
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