GOD DOES FORGIVE SIN
Occasionally I hear preachers
make this statement, "God does not forgive sin." I understand what
they are doing. They are emphasizing the fact that God's justice must be
satisfied. But we must be careful not to contradict the plain statements of
Holy Scripture. God does forgive sin. He says that he does. He is a God
"keeping mercy for thousands, FORGIVING iniquity and transgression
and sin" (Ex. 34: 7). "God for Christ's sake hath FORGIVEN
you" (Eph. 4:32). "If we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to FORGIVE us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9). Yes, marvelous and
unbelievable as it may appear, the holy, just and true God does forgive sin! It
is true God does not forgive sin as men speak of forgiveness; but he does
forgive sin. In faithfulness to his covenant, in faithfulness to his character,
and in faithfulness to his Son, God forgives sin in a way that is altogether
consistent with his justice.
God cannot forgive sin unless he can do so in a way
that is honoring to his law and satisfying to his justice. He said, "the
soul that sinneth it shall die" (Ez. 18:20).
He said, "Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are
written in the book of the law to do them" (Gal. 3:10). How can God forgive sin and yet be just? In order
for a holy God to forgive sin FOUR THINGS MUST BE DONE. (1) The law of
God must be honored and perfectly obeyed. (2) The justice of God must be
satisfied. (3) The sinner must bear the full punishment of his sin. And (4) the
sin must be entirely removed. The Word of God makes it abundantly clear that
there is only one way for a holy and just God to forgive sin. God can only
forgive sin through the righteous obedience and satisfactory sacrifice of an
all-sufficient Substitute. The Lord Jesus Christ is that Substitute! In him,
and only in him, is there forgiveness with God (Rom. 3:23-26). Trust that Substitute whom God has accepted, and
all your sins shall be forgiven you. Yes, it is true, "he delighteth in
mercy!" God delights to forgive sin justly, through the blood of his Son.