As Christians, we are aware that God hates sin. However, after the crucifixion and death of Jesus, the scripture records that the debt was paid and all our sins were forgiven. However, being in the flesh, we fall short of God’s glory, and thus we must constantly repent. However, does Jesus forgive all sins?
The scripture records that there is no condemnation in those that are in Christ Jesus. However, Jesus is clear in the gospel of Mark that all sins can be forgiven except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. He terms this sin as an eternal sin and says it cannot be forgiven now or in the ages.
So, does the Bible say God forgives all sins? What are some bible verses about God’s forgiveness of sins? Does Jesus forgive every sin? Is there any sin that Jesus does not forgive? How do I know I have committed the unpardonable sin? How can I know that my sins are forgiven? What did Jesus teach about forgiving? Continue reading to get the answers to these questions and more.
Does the Bible say God forgives all sins?
The Bible says in the book of Romans 8:1 that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus because Christ died for us and paid for everything on the cross. The scripture is clear that God freely forgives sins as long as we repent, for his grace is infinite. Romans 5:20 says, “Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.”
However, though God forgives us, we need to understand the nature of his forgiveness. The scripture is clear that God will only forgive all the sins of those who believe in Christ and abide in him. The book of Acts 10:43 reads, “To him, all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Additionally, as stated above, God will only forgive us if we confess our sins. The book of 1st John 1:9 is clear and states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Bible verses about God’s forgiveness of sins?
2nd Chronicles 7:14 reads, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Forgiveness requires one to be humble and repent their sins before God. Moreover, the Bible is clear that when seeking God’s face to forgive our sins, we must turn away from our wicked ways (sin), and the Lord will forgive us.
Colossians 2:13-14 says, “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, 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 scripture is clear that everything was finished at the cross. Jesus became sinful so that we might be saved and forgiven; he paid our debt so that we might be free.
Joel 2:13 reads, “And rend your hearts and not your garments, return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and he relents over disaster.”
Joel is clear that our Father, God, is full of love and slow to anger. Therefore, return to him when you sin and believe that his grace and mercy are enough to forgive your sins.
James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess our sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
The scripture encourages us to confess our sins among believers and pray for each other.
Does Jesus forgive every sin?
Jesus teaches in the gospels of Mark and Mathew that any other sin can be forgiven except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Mathew 12:32 says, “And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”
Jesus spoke these words after the Pharisees noted that he was healing using the Spirit of demons. He went ahead and said that any other sin could be forgiven, but not the sin against the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Jesus can forgive every other sin other than blaspheming the Spirit of God.
Is there any sin that Jesus does not forgive?
As mentioned above, Jesus taught that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin. He noted that speaking ill about the Holy Spirit is like rejecting the one who forgives. Therefore, as the scripture says, we should not grieve the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, Jesus can forgive any other sin apart from blasphemy; the Bible warns against sinning intentionally. Hebrews 10:26-27 says, “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”
How do I know I have committed the unpardonable sin?
Jesus is clear that slandering the Holy Spirit or persistently rejecting the Spirit of God is committing blasphemy against the Spirit, which he teaches is an eternal sin that can never be forgiven. Therefore, we should move with faith in Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit because Jesus told us that he would send the Holy Spirit to be our helper and guide us.
To understand the unpardonable sin, we need to know the context that led Jesus to say that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven. The scripture narrates that when Jesus was about to heal, the Pharisees started saying he was healing using the Spirit of the demon. Later on, Jesus notes in Mark 3:30 what the sin of blasphemy is. “For they were saying he has an unclean Spirit.” Therefore, if you persistently talk ill about the Holy Spirit, be sure that you are committing an unpardonable sin.
How can I know that my sins are forgiven?
The Bible is clear that when we accept Jesus Christ as our savior and believe in him, we are forgiven our sins. However, let’s not forget that we are made of flesh and fall short of glory and sin. In this case, you can be sure that you have been forgiven if you confess your sins, go before God with a timid Spirit and humble heart, repent from your sins, and be sure to turn away from them too.
Romans 6:1-2 says, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?”
What did Jesus teach about forgiving?
Throughout his teachings on forgiving sins, Jesus emphasized that we need to forgive others for God to forgive us.
Mathew 6:14-15 reads, “But if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Jesus emphasized extending the same grace God has extended to us to others. He taught that even if a brother wrongs you seven times a day, you must forgive them as long as they repent. Therefore, Jesus portrayed forgiveness as a condition, you forgive and be forgiven.
References
Bible Q&A: How Can Jesus Forgive the Unrepentant?
Will God forgive me? Is my sin unforgivable? The unforgivable sin.
Does God Really Forgive All Sins or Just Some?
Is There a Sin God Cannot Forgive?
How can I know that my future sins are forgiven?
Is there any sin that God will not forgive?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
