What is Biblical Forgiveness?

Forgiveness can be a difficult subject. Upon mention of the word, your mind probably darts to a situation where forgiveness is still needed or you might recall a past situation that was difficult to work through because forgiveness was hard to give or was not received. Regardless of your thoughts and experience with forgiveness, the believer needs to remember that the Bible speaks much about forgiveness. The Scriptures clearly define forgiveness and give examples of forgiveness so that there is no ambiguity or confusion on this vital subject. It should be an encouragement knowing that God not only defines forgiveness in Scripture but goes a step further by exemplifying it for us.  

What is forgiveness? Forgiveness can be defined as “The action of pardoning sin and freeing a sinner from the penalties for sin.” (Adventure Club: The Truth about Man, Sin, and Salvation, page 235.) The forgiveness a believer receives from God puts him or her in a new position with respect to God. This new position is defined by other elements of salvation such as justification and reconciliation. Once forgiven by God, he declares sinners justified because the sin has legally been paid for by Christ. Reconciliation is the effects of salvation whereby the forgiven sinner has moved from being an enemy of God and now enjoys a peaceful relationship with him. 

It is important to know we are forgiven by God, because those who are not forgiven—who are not in Christ—are actively under God’s wrath and even said to be his enemy (Romans 5:10). There are no neutral parties, every human person is in one of two groups: forgiven and a friend of God or unforgiven and an enemy of God. Romans 4:7–8 says, “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

God’s children should be marked by characteristics that God has passed onto them. Just as children will naturally resemble their parents by their looks, mannerisms, or speech, believers are to resemble God. Just as they have been forgiven they are called to be forgiving. Life in a fallen world is hard, and where there is still sin, there will be a need to ask for forgiveness and to forgive others. 

Even though forgiveness can be difficult, believers can be forgiving because they have a perspective unlike the world. Believers can be forgiving because they love God, worship him, and show their obedience to him by being forgiving. They can truly love God more because of all the sins that they have been forgiven of (Luke 7:47–48; Colossians 3:1–13; Ephesians 4:32). God beautifully exemplified forgiveness for his children, and wants them to follow his example. God was so incredibly forgiving toward us for Jesus’ sake, so we offer compassionate forgiveness to others. 

God extends forgiveness to those who confess their sin and need for a Savior, as 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This is the loveliness of the gospel, that a perfect Savior paid for the sins of those who would come to him in faith, not claiming any self-righteousness of their own. It begins with this truth and confession; this is where true forgiveness is found.