On Remission of Sins
by John Fanella
Acts 10:43 - To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
What greater subject do people have to consider than how their sins can be remitted and forgiven? Man’s sin is the single barrier between him and God, between death and life, between blessing and judgment. But God in his lovingkindness has provided a way for the removal of the barrier. Let’s consider the nature, the means, the terms, and the certainty of remission of sins.
1. The nature of remission is that it is free, full, and complete. It is free. The sinner comes to Jesus without anything in his hands and he receives remission freely and immediately. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). It is full and complete. All of his sins—both original and actual, sins of omission and sins of commission, big and small, past, present, and future—are forgiven. God is unchangeable and “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom 11:29) and “My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has mercy on you” (Is. 54:10).
When you turn to Christ for forgiveness you do not need ever again to turn to another. You do not need to worry that some of your sins are not forgiven. You do not need to wonder if, at the great judgment throne, God will forgive you. If you have turned to Jesus in faith in this life, you can be confident of his forgiveness in life hereafter.
2. The means of remission of sins is through Jesus. Before sins could be forgiven Jesus had to obey the law of God, satisfy the claims of justice, and exhibit all the divine attributes in human flesh. He has done so! He has done it by his life, sufferings, and death. Every part of the law he obeyed, every demand of justice he met. The pressing issue is that through these means he is ready to forgive. He presents in the gospel the offer of pardon. “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins”(Acts 13:38).
Why do you go on searching for forgiveness when the means have been made clear? It is only through Jesus--the one who lived and died and rose again. Do not look for forgivness through the works of your hands. His hands were pierced for your sins. Do not look for it a little bread and wine on the altar. These only point to the body and blood that was already shed. Do not have false ideas about the pouring of water over your head. Christ himself has cleansed your heart not just your head. The most important thing you can do is keep Jesus at the center of your faith and assurance. Let nothing replace Him.
3. The terms of remission of sins is belief in Jesus. Without faith there is no remission, no salvation, and no pleasing of God. The object of faith is Christ. We must believe “in him.” The belief of divine truth is only valuable when it leads to Christ, the sum and substance of all things. If faith brings us happiness, it’s because it is fixed and settled in Christ. The nature of true faith is believing in Christ—that is receiving him as our Savior, and resting upon him alone for salvation. Those invited to faith are “whoever.” A feast is prepared, and a table is spread with abundance, and the invitation to come and feats is sent by the Master. Thus God invites, urges, and commands us to believe in Jesus.
Do you resist personal faith? If so, “those who were invited were not worthy” (Matt 22:8) and must expect the wrath and utter destruction of the great King. Resisting personal faith is like resisting the medicine from the doctor. It will lead to your eternal death. How many today believe that they can resist personal conversion to Christ. They say, "my church membership is sufficeint." Or, "My parents raised me in the church.?" These are blessings from heaven. But they are no subsititue for a converted heart. On judgnent day God will ask no person, "Were you a member of the local church?" He will only search to see if you have come to believe on the Lord Jesus as your all in all.
4. The certainty of remission of sins is stated by the prophets and apostles in Scripture. David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah testify to God’s readiness to forgive sin through Christ. “By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities (Is. 53:11). “Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?” (Mic. 7:18). All the Apostles also testify to the same great truth. James and John, Peter and Paul all proclaimed and wrote about forgiveness even for the worst of all sinners in the name of Jesus. And all faithful ministers plainly, boldly and earnestly declare that “by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:39).
The Chrirstian must never trust the flimsy testimony of man. You must come to trust the tesitimony of Scripture above all else. When Satan comes assaluting you that you are not forgiven, you must answer him with the confident statement, "It is written." When the Bible states something as true nothing can make it untrue. The truth is the Scripture says the believer in Jesus has full remission of all his sins.
