Does the Reader of these pages ever long for the sense of the forgiveness of his sins? I speak to those who are really in earnest, in the matter, those who are conscious that they have sins, great and manifold—those who sigh, and long for the sense of being unburdened of the load.
Before the Cross, the consciousness of the forgiveness of sins was a blessing yet to come, but now every Christian ought to know that the present forgiveness of sins is his joyful portion. Not as something to be enjoyed in the future—but—now. The Apostle John says, “I write unto you little children because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.” (1 John 2:1212I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. (1 John 2:12).) They had not to wait for this at some future moment. The ground on which he addresses them was that their sins are forgiven. How sweet a rest for the soul. God the Father instructing His children, because He had forgiven their sins for His name’s sake.
Up to the Cross of Christ forgiveness of sins was looked. forward to: but how could it be a promise any more, once Jesus had borne them in His own body on the tree, and put them away? Hence when Jesus died and rose, the announcement went forth not that forgiveness of sins was now promised, but we read, “Be it known unto you that through this man is preached (declared) unto you the forgiveness of sins”—not “promised” but “preached.” (see Acts 13:38,3938Be 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).) This is the one, unchanging testimony of the Apostles and preachers of the word. “We have,” says Paul,.... “the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace.” (Eph. 1:77In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7); Col. 1:1414In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:14).)— “Having forgiven you all trespasses.” (Col. 2:1313And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (Colossians 2:13).)— “Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” (Col. 3:1313Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (Colossians 3:13).)
Has my reader believed this, and accepted it as his present portion? or has he been taking the ground that they are not forgiven—,that they have not been put away? How dishonoring to Christ’s finished work. “Without shedding of blood, is no remission” (Heb. 9:2222And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (Hebrews 9:22)); but the blood has been shed, and God’s righteous claims against poor sinners have been met. He has declared. His satisfaction, by raising up Jesus and putting Him at His right hand in heaven. Jesus took His seat there “when He had by Himself purged our sins.” (Heb. 1:33Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (Hebrews 1:3).) God’s thought about us is “that the worshipper once purged, should have no more conscience of sins.” (Heb. 10:22For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. (Hebrews 10:2).) His testimony by the Holy Ghost to us is, “their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” (Heb. 10:1717And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 10:17).) Sweet and glorious news for the poor burdened heart. God says, “I will remember them no more.” Then faith says, “They are remembered no more.” It believes God. Many a time the poor sinner has remembered his sins with an aching heart, ere he has learned this sweet and assuring testimony of God. How is it with my reader? Is he enjoying this comforting testimony? How sweet to learn that his sins are not passed by, as something carelessly slurred over; but that they are washed away by the “precious blood of Christ.” God has not been merciful, at the expense of His justice, as some think He will be; but His mercy is on the ground of His righteous claims having been satisfied by Jesus.
Dear reader, if they are not now washed away, they never will be washed away. But they are washed away—God has declared it, and faith has believed it. Now take care for the future and believe God, and be happy in the joy of the sweet sense of pardon, forgiveness, and peace. Do not grieve the blessed Spirit of God by taking the ground of unbelief, in asking for the forgiveness of sins; but take the ground of believing that they have been forgiven, because God says so. How could I ask for forgiveness when a gracious God declares that He has forgiven me, and will remember my sins and iniquities no more forever?