Question 291: How do you receive forgiveness?

Answer:

I receive forgiveness by repenting of my sins and placing my faith in Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for my salvation. Through confession, trust in God’s mercy, and a sincere turning of my heart, I am forgiven by grace, reconciled to God, and restored by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38, 1 John 1:9, Luke 24:47, Romans 10:9–10, Ephesians 1:7)

Full Scripture References

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” – Acts 2:38 (BSB)

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 (BSB)

“…and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.” – Luke 24:47 (BSB)

“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.” – Romans 10:9–10 (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)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Forgiveness is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We do not earn it by good deeds or religious effort, but receive it by repenting of our sins and trusting in the mercy of God. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Anglican Network in Canada) writes, “Forgiveness is not a transaction—it is a gift. We kneel before the cross empty-handed, and God fills us with mercy.” (Proclaiming the Gospel with Clarity and Compassion, 2020)

This forgiveness is accessed through confession and faith. When I admit my sin, turn from it, and cast myself on Christ, I am fully pardoned and cleansed. Bishop David Epps (CEEC - Anglican, Diocese of the Mid-South) explains, “The door to forgiveness is low—it requires us to bow. But once we do, we find that grace was waiting on the other side.” (The Path of Mercy, 2022)

God has also given the Church the ministry of declaring forgiveness. Anglican liturgy reflects this in the words of absolution, where the penitent hears that their sins are truly forgiven in Christ. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) writes, “Confession brings the soul into the light. When forgiveness is declared in the name of Christ, it is no mere form—it is the echo of heaven’s welcome.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

The reception of forgiveness is not a passive moment but the beginning of a changed life. Bishop Stephen Leung (ANiC, Diocese of Western Canada and Alaska) notes, “God forgives not only to erase guilt, but to restore communion. The forgiven heart is drawn into love, worship, and obedience.” (Restoration and Holiness, 2021)

Fr. Thomas James (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Luke’s Mission, NC) adds, “When we receive forgiveness, we receive Christ Himself—His life, His righteousness, His Spirit. We are not merely pardoned; we are adopted.” (Lectures on Gospel Grace, 2020)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“Confess your sins, that you may be justified. For by humility the wound is exposed, and by mercy it is healed.” – Augustine of Hippo, Homily on 1 John, c. 410 AD

“The gate of forgiveness is open to all who enter with repentance. None are turned away but the proud.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Lapsed, c. 250 AD

“The blood of Christ is the key to pardon. We must come to Him with faith and find in Him cleansing for every sin.” – Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, c. 180 AD

“To receive forgiveness is to rise from death to life. It is not a forgetting of sin, but the undoing of it.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Repentance, c. 390 AD