What does it mean that my sins were forgiven?
God created humanity in His image, for an intimate relationship with him. And His created intent for us is to be holy how He is holy. His ultimate will for humanity is to glorify Him.
What is sin?
Sin, is the transgression or violation of God's created intent for us, and His created will for us. Sin is an action, thought, or attitude that goes against God's will and can take on various forms, such as lying, stealing, hatred, adultery, greed, and idolatry, and more. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:23, “everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s standard.”
Sin has consequences.
It’s important to recognize that sin has consequences and affects not only our personal lives, but the lives of others and our relationships with them. But the problem with sin goes further. Sin is such a violation against God, that it breaks our relationship with God himself. And it gets worse. The Apostle Paul continues in Romans 6:23 that “the wages of sin is death”—not just physical death, but spiritual death. In other words, the human consequence of sin is separation from God for eternity.
We can be saved from sin’s ultimate consequence.
Because of God’s great love for humanity, He sent his son Jesus to save humanity from the penalty of sin, to redeem, restore and reconcile our relationship with Him. But in order to do so, Jesus had to die in our place. In Romans 5:8, Paul explains that “God demonstrated His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Jesus Christ died for us!” Through his perfect life, sacrificial death, and supernatural resurrection, Jesus proved he is the savior of the world.
Jesus is the only way.
Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Everyone who puts their faith in Jesus, is forgiven for their sins, saved from eternal death, has their relationship with God restored, and is given eternal life. (Matthew 25:46) But it’s through repentance and faith in Jesus alone, that our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to God.
Whoever believes in the death and resurrection of Jesus—those who put their faith in Jesus by asking Him to be the Forgiver of their sins (Savior) and Leader of their life (Lord)—are cleansed of their sin and given the gift of what the writers of scripture call “salvation” and eternal life with God.
Our sins are forgiven, past, present, and future.
Forgiveness comes as a total package. When we put our faith in Jesus, God forgives all our sins: past, present, and future. He does not forgive us partially but wholly.
Paul says in Romans 8:1, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This means that nothing, not even our future sins will condemn us. Paul continues in Romans 8:38-39 by saying that “neither the present nor the future,…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Not even the future can separate us from God’s love, even when it comes to future sin.
For further study on this topic, check out:
“You Are Redeemed” from our “Who Are You?” sermon series.
”Sacraments & Salvation” from our “Jesus, Salvation, & Catholicism” sermon series.
”The Resurrection & Life” from our “I AM” sermon series.
The book “Forgive” by Tim Keller
Questions?
If you have any questions, about faith or your next steps, please don’t hesitate to email us at newfaith@relevantcommunity.org.