Previous to the first advent of Christ the truth of eternal forgiveness of sin was not made known. Generally speaking, forgiveness as referred to in the Old Testament was governmental; that is, it had to do with this life-not eternity.
The whole teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews was to bring those who believed to the blessedness of chapter 10, verse 14.
"For by ONE OFFERING He bath perfected FOREVER (uninterrupted continuance) them that are sanctified."
This is the present blessedness of Christianity: no more offering for sin-See verse 18 of that same chapter.
That is now the believers' standing before God. Peter preached it in Acts 10:4343To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43). Paul preached it in Acts 13:38,39,38Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:38‑39) adding the blessed fact of justification, and Rom. 8:11There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1) sums up the work of God in grace with those who believed the glad tidings by saying, "There is therefore NOW no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus."
Let no teaching ever cloud the blessed, precious and glorious fruit that flows from the work of God's Son at the cross!
Let us rejoice in it, and praise Him now and forever!
FORGIVENESS! 'twas a joyful sound
To guilty sinners doomed to die:
We'd publish it the world around,
And gladly shout it through the sky.
'Twas the rich gift of love divine;
'Tis full, effacing every crime;
Unbounded shall its glories shine,
And know no change by changing time.
For this stupendous gift of heaven,
What grateful honors shall we show!
Where much transgression is forgiven,
May love with fervent ardor glow.
By love inspired, may all our days
With every heavenly grace be crowned;
May truth and goodness, joy and praise,
In all abide, in all abound.