Will God Forgive Me?
God’s forgiveness is one of the most comforting truths in the Bible. As sinners, we all fall short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23). We rebel against God’s commands and pursue our own sinful desires. This results in guilt, shame, and separation from a holy God. Thankfully, the good news is that through Jesus Christ, God graciously offers forgiveness to all who repent and believe in Him.
What Does It Mean for God to Forgive?
When God forgives our sins, He chooses to no longer count our sins against us. He wipes our slate clean and treats us as if we have never sinned. As Psalm 103:12 (ESV) says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” God removes our sins an infinite distance away from us, never to be brought up again.
Forgiveness also means the restoration of a broken relationship. Sin creates enmity and separation between us and God (Isaiah 59:2). But when God forgives, the barriers between us are torn down. We are reconciled to Him and adopted as His dearly loved children (Romans 8:14-17). Forgiveness provides the basis for an intimate relationship with God.
The Basis for God’s Forgiveness
How can a holy God forgive hopelessly sinful people like us? The basis for God’s forgiveness is found in the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live. Although innocent, He willingly took the punishment we deserved for our sins by dying on the cross. He became the atoning sacrifice that turns away God’s wrath against sin (Romans 3:25).
Because the price for our sins has been paid, God can extend forgiveness while remaining just. He does not merely overlook sin – Jesus paid the debt. As Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV) says, “And you, who were dead in your trespasses…God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”
The forgiveness offered through Jesus is full and final. When we repent and believe in Him, all our sins are completely paid for – past, present, and future.
How to Receive God’s Forgiveness
God promises that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). What does this involve?
First, we must confess our sins, agreeing with God about our sin. This requires humility – laying aside excuses and defenses to own up to our failure. God is ready to forgive, but we must be ready to repent. As Psalm 32:5 (ESV) says, “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” Confession acknowledges both our sinful actions and rebellious heart motives.
Second, we must have faith in Christ alone for salvation. As Acts 10:43 (ESV) says, “everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” While God’s forgiveness is free, it is not automatic. We must place our trust in the redemptive work of Christ on the cross for our sins.
Third, we must extend forgiveness to others. Jesus said, “But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). God’s forgiveness toward us should motivate us to forgive others when they sin against us. As Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
The Blessings of God’s Forgiveness
God’s forgiveness is an incredible blessing with profound impact on our lives. Here are some of the blessings:
– Our relationship with God is restored. We are no longer enemies of God but adopted into His family as dearly loved children.
– We have peace with God. Forgiveness removes guilt, anxiety, and fear over unresolved sin before a holy God (Romans 5:1).
– We gain victory over sin’s power. Forgiveness breaks sin’s control over our lives, freeing us to live in righteousness (Romans 6:1-14).
– We receive eternal life. All our sins are wiped away, clearing the way for eternal life and fellowship with God (Colossians 1:13-14).
– We are motivated to obey and glorify God. God’s gracious forgiveness compels our love, loyalty, and deepest gratitude (Luke 7:36-50).
God’s forgiveness truly changes everything! But we must guard against taking it for granted. We should frequently reflect on the enormous sacrifice Jesus made to secure our forgiveness. And we must continue to confess our sins and walk in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Forgiveness is not a one-time event, but the beginning of a new way of life with God.
Common Questions About God’s Forgiveness
Many people have important questions about the details of God’s forgiveness. Here are some key questions addressed:
Does God forgive all sins?
Yes, God is willing and able to forgive any and all sins through Jesus Christ. No sin is too great for the grace of God. As Isaiah 1:18 (ESV) says, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” Even very grievous sins like murder, adultery, or idolatry can be forgiven by God.
However, there is one exception – blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven” (Matthew 12:31). This involved the Pharisees seeing Jesus’ miracles by the Spirit’s power yet attributing them to Satan. This willful, ongoing rejection of the Spirit’s testimony to Christ seems to exclude one from forgiveness.
Does repeated sin mean God won’t forgive?
No, God will forgive repeated sins as we continue to repent and turn to Christ. Peter asked Jesus if we must forgive a brother as many as seven times. But Jesus said, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21-22). Just as we should repeatedly forgive others, God will repeatedly forgive our sins as we confess them. We should not presume upon God’s grace by sinning willfully. But Christians still struggle with sin and need ongoing forgiveness as we grow in grace.
However, there are serious warnings against continuing in sin as a lifestyle with no remorse or repentance (1 John 3:4-10; Hebrews 10:26-31). This may indicate one is not truly born again. True believers will exhibit grief over sin that leads them to confess and seek forgiveness. God is faithful to forgive – but we must seek it!
What if I really struggle to believe God will forgive me?
If your own sins seem too great for God to forgive, remember that Jesus came precisely for great sinners! Paul said Jesus came to save sinners, “of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15). If God’s mercy was great enough to save the chief of sinners, He can surely forgive you. Do not believe Satan’s accusations that your sins are unforgivable. Instead, trust God’s word that whoever believes in Jesus receives forgiveness (Acts 10:43). Cry out to God for mercy and run to the cross. He will forgive you and give assurance of pardon through His Spirit and word.
What if I still feel guilty after asking for forgiveness?
It is possible to feel lingering guilt even after confessing sin and receiving God’s forgiveness. Feelings often lag behind the reality of what God has declared in His word. Believe God’s promise that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). If God says you are forgiven through Christ, then you are – regardless of fluctuating emotions. However, don’t allow unresolved guilt to persist unchecked. Seek pastoral counsel and accountability to find freedom from guilt through God’s grace.
How often should I seek God’s forgiveness?
Because Christians still struggle with sin, we should seek God’s forgiveness as often as we become aware of sins we have committed. We are called to regularly confess our sins so as to maintain an open and honest relationship with God. Many believers find it helpful to begin and end each day with confession as part of their devotions. But no matter how often we stumble, God invites us to come and receive the mercy He offers in Christ. As Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Does forgiving myself matter?
Attempting to “forgive ourselves” can reflect a works-based mentality that diminishes grace. Our forgiveness is based on Christ’s work, not our own. However, appreciating God’s forgiveness can help us let go of false guilt, regain confidence, and move forward in freedom. Focusing on God’s cleansing work in us through Christ enables us to forgive ourselves in a healthy way. We remember we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Thanking God for His overflowing mercy helps us rest in the unconditional grace of the cross.
Can I be sure I’m forgiven?
Yes, God wants us to have full assurance of forgiveness in Christ. Scripture gives many promises of certain forgiveness we can rely on, such as Hebrews 8:12: “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” And 1 John 5:13: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” The Holy Spirit confirms in our hearts the witness of God’s word so we can know beyond doubt we are forgiven and heaven-bound. Our feelings may waver, but we can anchor to the firm word of promise regarding God’s forgiveness.
Praise God that for all who put their trust in Christ, forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God is gloriously and certainly accomplished. Our gracious Lord stands ready to welcome us back whenever we stray. May we live in the blessed freedom and assurance of God’s full and final forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.