Our third lesson was about how Jesus was the mediator of a new covenant. In promising this covenant long ago, God said, "For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sins I will remember no more" (Jer 31:34). This promise of forgiveness is another of God's magnificent promises. We will see just how magnificent when we discuss the question, why do we need forgiveness? That's one of four questions in this lesson. The most important question, however, is how was forgiveness from God made possible?

Why do we need forgiveness?

It is appointed for human beings to die once, then after that comes judgment (Heb 9:27). In a nutshell, that's your future...

If you stand before God with unforgiven sin, you will be sent away into the most terrifying punishment. That is your "certain expectation" if you have not received forgiveness of sins (Heb 10:27,31).

How was forgiveness made possible?

Having said that we die once and then comes judgment, the gospel then states that "Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many" so that through his offering up himself as a sacrifice, you can be forgiven. Your expectation of his second coming will then be one of eagerness and assurance rather than of terror (Heb 9:27-28)

His new covenant has made forgiveness possible once and for all through the body and blood of Jesus Christ, which God accepted as the sacrifice to end all sacrifices for sin (Heb 10:10,14). Therefore the Son of God is not only King of kings, not only Mediator of the new covenant, but also our High Priest who provides us the way of forgiveness through his blood (Heb 10:19-20).

How long does forgiveness last?

The blessing of forgiveness is not that your sins are forgiven for a day, or even for a year, but rather for ever. "Their sins I will remember no more" (Jer 31:34) Our sins, as Peter put it, are "blotted out" (Acts 3:19).

Who will be forgiven?

Everyone can be forgiven of sins, but not everyone will be. It is those who "walk in the light" of God's promise, and follow his word, who are cleansed from sin (1Jn 1:7). The promises of God are conditional. The "blood as of a lamb unblemished and spotless" atones for the sins of those who have purified their souls "in obedience to the truth" (1Pe 1:19,22).

Have you obeyed the gospel so that your sins may be forgiven through the sacrifice Jesus made for you on the cross? Is your expectation of the judgment to come eager, or is it still fearful? Ensure that your sins are forgiven. Do it today.

For further study...
Jesus the Perfect Sacrifice Jesus the Perfect Sacrifice
What Must I Do? What Must I Do?

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