Remission and Forgiveness of Sin

In response to a request by a brother, I will treat this topic which is a benchmark for Christianity in our time. The knowledge, awareness and consciousness of this important foundation of Christianity is crucial for our life in Christ. One of the instrument the enemy have used in the past to entrap the Saints of God is guilt. But salvation also entails freedom from guilt and the clutch of sin.

Our salvation plan was hinged on remission and forgiveness. This is God’s intent and will for us. That we walk free of the guilt of sin, not to continue to sin and be guiltless, but by the freedom of guilt comes in the righteousness consciousness. I have often taught that God didn’t come to save us from the consequences of sin, like hell and torment. He came to save us from sin. To break the bonds of sin over us so that sin shall have no dominion over us (Rom 6:14). This is the significance of the cross for us. He nailed it to the cross

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

(Col 2:14 KJV)

The cross signifies Remission of sin. It was there that sin was removed and the tag and nature was stripped away from us. It was there that we no longer by faith are condemned as sinners and are made the righteousness of God. It was at the cross, the price was paid and remission of sin occurred. The cross is the only past of the Christian.

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

(Rom 3:25 KJV)

Note: Remission of sins that are past. This means the remissions of sin is done on the cross, the only past of the Christian. After that experience, there is no more remission of sin for the Christian. It’s a once and for all business.

Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

(Heb 10:18 KJV)

Now of course, it confuses many when we talk about remission of sins. What is the difference between remission and forgiveness. Some have argued that in remission there will be no remembrance of the sin anymore, but in forgiveness there will be records of wrongdoing. This to me, is not accurate and I will attempt to scripturally prove this.

The word remission is coined from the Greek word aphesis. It basically means, ‘freedom’ and ‘deliverance’. It refers to a total absolution from sin. I believe that this is done by the removal of the sinful nature and the rebirth of the New man. It is not pardon as is figuratively used, but a complete death and rebirth process. In remission, there is no need for further offering.

Now one will say, if this is true, how come we still sin. What then happens? After the Christian is saved and renewed and then falls back in sin or come short in any way, he is not tagged as having the sin nature. This doesn’t mean he didn’t commit sin but he is never tagged a sinner. Let me use this illustration.

If a man has servants and no son and then discovers that one of his servants was truly his son born from a lost wife. From that day, that servant’s status in that family is completely changed. The Servant is now the Son. As a son, even if he comes short and annoys his father, he remains his son and in favor of his father. He will never be the servant anymore. But even if his previous colleagues do all they can to please the Father, and be in their best behavior, they will remain servants. Righteousness is not an act of morality but a function of our position with the King.

So when the Son sins against the father, forgiveness comes in. He is forgiven and that is the end of the matter. Now, it is important that I clear the myth in forgiveness that suggests that a record of our wrongdoing is kept in heaven though we are forgiven. This seems to belie this next scripture:

    Heb 8:12

And I will be merciful to them in their wrongdoings, and I will remember their sins no more."

TLB

If you like read it in 100 translations, it says the same thing and it agrees with the context in which it was quoted. This is God’s way of righteousness for us. Is God saying we should go on to sin? No! Here is what he is saying:

    

1 John 2:1-2

My little children, I am telling you this so that you will stay away from sin. But if you sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. His name is Jesus Christ, the one who is all that is good and who pleases God completely. 2 He is the one who took God's wrath against our sins upon himself and brought us into fellowship with God; and he is the forgiveness for our sins,2335 and not only ours but all the world's.

TLB

…and he is the forgiveness for our sins…  That is a deep saying. So even in forgiveness, is the blotting from remembrance the deeds of sin. What then is it that we will be judged on that day. We are going to be judged based on how we accomplish the task laid down for us. Remember that judgment is on the rewards that we will receive and not as a punishment for our souls

    

1 Cor 3:13-15

There is going to come a time of testing at Christ's Judgment Day to see what kind of material each builder has used. Everyone's work will be put through the fire so that all can see whether or not it keeps its value, and what was really accomplished. 14 Then every workman who has built on the foundation with the right materials, and whose work still stands, will get his pay. 15 But if the house he has built burns up, he will have a great loss. He himself will be saved, but like a man escaping through a wall of flames.

TLB

Let me drop this last scripture before wrapping this section up.

    

Rom 4:8

Yes, what joy there is for anyone whose sins are no longer counted against him by the Lord."2183 

TLB

Now religious people are going to have problem with this one. Here he is not saying he will just forgive, but that he will not even count the sin against the Christian. It is important that you understand that this is not a license to sin. It is the way of God with his children. He is not against you, he is your advocate. My Father is my judge, my justifier and my advocate. He is the offerer, the offering and the receiver. I can never be rejected but am accepted in the beloved. This is my victory over sin, that he first loved me.

I hope this has blessed you as I believe it should. It did bless me. Thank you!