Forgiveness

What does it really mean to be forgiven?

The Lord said, '' Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.'' (Isaiah 1:18)

You are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault (Colossians 1:22)

Forgiveness means that God looks at you as though you had never sinned.
When you receive his forgiveness, you are blameless before Him.
When God forgives, He doesn't sweep your sins under the carpet; instead, He completely washes them away.

Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! (Matthew 5:44)

Forgiveness paves the way for harmonious relationships, even with your enemies.

Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. (Romans 6:6)

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave all our sins (Colossians 2:13)

Forgiveness brings great joy because you are no longer a captive to your sinful nature.

Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

Forgiveness of sins allows you to receive the gift of God's Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit allows you to tap into the very power of God to help you battle temptation and to guide you through life.


How do I receive God's loving forgiveness?

If my people...will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9)

Confessing sin is the first step to forgiveness.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

After you ask for forgiveness, you simply have to accept he gift of forgiveness. Receiving God's forgiveness is the only way you can have the assurance of eternal life in heaven.


Can any sin be forgiven? There must be some sin too great to be forgiven.

Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved (Joel 2:32)

[Jesus said.] ''I tell you the truth, all sin...can be forgiven.'' (Mark 3:28)

Nothing can ever separate us from God's love. (Romans 8:38)

Forgiveness is not based on the magnitude of the sin but on the magnitude of the forgiver's love.
No sin is too great for God's complete and unconditional love..
The bible does actually mention one unforgivable sin--an attitude of defiant hostility toward God that prevents us from accepting his forgiveness.
Those who don't want His forgiveness are out of its reach.


How can I forgive someone who has hurt me deeply?

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15)

Being unwilling to forgive shows that you have not understood or benefited from God's forgiveness.

Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! (Matthew 5:44)

Pray for those who hate and hurt you. This releases you from the destructive emotions of anger, bitterness, and revenge and helps you to forgive those who have hurt you.

Jesus said, ''Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.'' (Luke 23:24)

Jesus forgave even those who mocked and killed Him. Be more concerned about your offenders and their relationship with God and less about nursing your own grudges and self-pity.

Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insults you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it. (1 Peter 3:9)

When people say hurtful things about you, God wants you to respond by blessing them.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. (Ephesians 4:31)

An unforgiving attitude not only ruins your relationships but also poison your soul. The person most hurt by unforgiveness is you.

Promise from God: I--yes, I alone--will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again. (Isaiah 43:25)


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