13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13–14 (ESV)
Experiencing God’s forgiveness is lifechanging. This applies to not only God forgiving the sinner from the penalty of their sin, but also when the Lord forgives believers in Christ from the power of sin in their lives.
Concerning forgiveness, one author comments on this significant theme contained in Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Miserables.
“God’s forgiveness can change your life. It’s never been exemplified better than in the musical, Les Miserables. The story is about an ex-convict by the name of Jean Valjean. He’s just gotten out of prison and he has nowhere to go so he goes to the home of the local bishop.”
“The bishop welcomes Jean Valjean into his home for the evening. Jean Valjean steals his silverware and knocks him down. The next day the police catch him and return him to the bishop. But the bishop forgives him. This moment shows the connection between forgiveness and living a changed life.”
I have read Les Miserables. I have watched several film adaptations. I have seen the musical Les Mis on stage and on film. The refrain of Look Down and the stirring lyrics and melody of I Dreamed a Dream remain in my mind. The themes of forgiveness and redemption are predominant.
However, I disagree with the statement forgiveness has “never been exemplified better than in the musical Les Miserables.” God’s forgiveness for all eternity, exemplified by Jesus Christ on the cross, remains the greatest story ever told. It is the good news of the Gospel.
The Scriptures extensively explore the doctrine of forgiveness. While this study will be relatively brief in its extent, the following aspects of forgiveness will be considered: the definition of forgiveness, justification, legal and relational forgiveness, the necessity of forgiveness, the Gospel and forgiveness, and forgiving others because God has forgiven us.
What is the biblical definition of forgiveness? There are several words the Bible uses for this biblical truth.
In the Old Testament (OT), the primary Hebrew words for “forgiveness” includes “salah” (סָלַח), which signifies God’s act of pardoning sin and restoring relationships. Other words are “kaphar” (כָּפַר) meaning “atonement” and “nasa” (נָשָׂא) which is the idea of lifting away sin’s burden.
Key biblical OT texts teaching forgiveness are (1) Exodus 32:1-14 and the Sin of the Golden Calf; (2) Exodus 34:1-9 and God’s self-description as the LORD of mercy, grace, slow anger, steadfast love, faithfulness and forgiveness; (3) Psalm 32:1-5 and King David’s potential psalm (see Ps. 6; 38; 51; 102; 130;143); 4) Psalm 103, which is a psalm by David praising the LORD for His forgiveness of all iniquity; and (5) the prophetical book of Hosea and its metaphorical story of Hosea and his wife Gomer illustrating God’s relationship with Israel.
In the New Testament (NT), the primary words for forgiveness are (1) apoluo meaning to loose, let go and to send away (Matt. 5:31; Luke 6:37); (2) aphiemi which is to leave and to forsake (I John 1:9); (3) charizomai meaning to freely deliver and to graciously grant favor (Luke 7:36-50); and (4) aphesis referring to the deliverance and the release from sin (Matt. 26:26-29; Luke 4:18).
In today’s text from Colossians, the Apostle Paul used the word (ἄφεσιν; aphesin) for forgiveness. He referred to God’s pardon and liberty for sinners solely through the redemption by Jesus Christ. Forgiveness includes the removal of guilt, which is a result of wrongdoing against God and other human individuals.
The chain that held us fast has been broken. When a sinner is transplanted out of the power of darkness into the kingdom of light, he is to be regarded as having been redeemed, and that this redemption implies the remission of sins.” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.
“By instilling humility within our minds, the Lord brings us to the end of loving ourselves so that we might love Him supremely. He forgives us in His mercy so that by His grace we might know Him, love Him, glorify Him, and enjoy Him forever. And He does this through the life and work of the incarnate Word, who came to save His people from their sins,” states Dr. Burk Parsons.
“It is somewhat ironic that we have forgiveness through one who never needed to ask for it. The Lord’s forgiveness of us through Christ sets us free to love Him, and our forgiveness of others sets us free to love our enemies. Therein lies the beauty of Gospel reconciliation.”
Next time, the topic of the necessity of forgiveness is examined. In other words, why is forgiveness from God to us, and by us to others, so important? What we briefly touch upon today, will be studied in greater detail.
Have you received the LORD’s forgiveness of your sins by God’s sovereign grace alone, through God given faith alone, and in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone? If so, remember your conversion and rejoice. If not, obey God’s command to repent and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (John 1:12-13).
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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