Question 290: What is forgiveness?

Answer:

Forgiveness is God’s act of pardoning sin and removing its guilt through the atoning death of Jesus Christ. When I repent and believe the gospel, God forgives me fully, restores me to fellowship with Him, and remembers my sin no more. Forgiveness is also the grace I am called to extend to others, as I have been forgiven. (Psalm 103:12, Isaiah 1:18, Acts 10:43, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 3:13)

Full Scripture References

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12 (BSB)

“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they shall become like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18 (BSB)

“All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” – Acts 10:43 (BSB)

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” – Ephesians 1:7 (BSB)

“Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Forgiveness is the heart of the gospel. It is God’s gracious act of releasing us from the guilt, shame, and penalty of sin through the sacrifice of His Son. Bishop Ray Sutton (Reformed Episcopal Church, Diocese of Mid-America) writes, “Forgiveness is not divine leniency—it is blood-bought mercy. God does not ignore our sin; He removes it by the cross.” (The Gospel and the Covenant, 2015)

When we repent and believe, God not only forgives, but also restores. Fr. James Kellett (Anglican Union, St. Michael’s Anglican, PA) teaches, “To be forgiven is not just to be cleared—it is to be embraced. The Father runs to the prodigal with joy, not reluctance.” (Teaching the Heart of the Father, 2022) Forgiveness reconciles us to God and makes us new.

Forgiveness is also transformative. It liberates us from self-condemnation and empowers us to extend grace to others. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) writes, “When we receive mercy, we are changed. We become people who forgive—not because it’s easy, but because it’s the shape of the cross.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

In Anglican worship, confession and absolution are central acts. The 1662 Book of Common Prayer declares, “He pardoneth and absolveth all them that truly repent and unfeignedly believe His holy Gospel.” Fr. William Beasley (AMiA, Anglican Awakening) observes, “Forgiveness is not a feeling—it is a divine word spoken over the penitent. In that word, chains fall, and peace returns.” (Living Under Mercy, 2017)

Bishop Henrique Dill (Anglican Union, Diocese of the West) adds, “Forgiveness is the first breath of the new life in Christ. It is God’s yes where we expected His no. It is His embrace when we feared His anger.” (Catechesis on Grace and Peace, 2023)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“Forgiveness is the resurrection of the soul. He who is forgiven is raised from the death of sin to the life of grace.” – Augustine of Hippo, Sermon on 1 John, c. 410 AD

“God does not remember what He has forgiven. He wipes out the record, not with ink, but with blood.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Matthew, c. 390 AD

“He who has been forgiven much must love much. The one who knows mercy will not withhold it.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Lord’s Prayer, c. 250 AD

“To forgive is to imitate Christ. We do not reflect His image rightly until we do as He has done to us.” – Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, c. 180 AD