WHAT FORGIVENESS OF SINS DOES AND DOES NOT MEAN By Pastor Art Watkins of Coden Bible Church (Coden, Alabama) April 30, 2010 And 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 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7 Forgiveness of sins is one of the greatest blessings we have as Christians, but there is much misunderstanding about this doctrine. People assume things to be true that are not true about forgiveness of sins. To help clear up some of the errors taught about this doctrine all we have to do is notice what is said about the people who are forgiven. The verses quoted in this article were written to, for, and about Christians like you, whose sins were forgiven. These verses will show us what it means and does not mean to be forgiven of sin. ----Being Forgiven of Sins Does not make us spiritual. See 1 Cor. 3:1 The Corinthians were forgiven, but many were carnal. Does not mean we are in the will of God. Carnal Christians are out of God’s will. Does not mean we are in fellowship with God. See 1 John 1:6 Even though their sins are forgiven carnal Christians do not have fellowship with God. Does not mean that God will not chastise us for our sins. See 1 Cor. 11:29-32 He makes carnal Christian’s weak, sick and even kills them for their sins. Forgiveness of sins does not exclude chastisement! See also 1 Cor. 5:1-5 Does not mean we should not judge and confess our sins. See 1 Cor. 11:31 We judge and confess sin to escape chastisement. Does not mean we will not suffer loss at the judgment seat of Christ. See 1 Cor. 3:15 Many forgiven saints will suffer loss at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Does not mean God does not see our sins. It’s obvious he does because; (a) He calls some Christians carnal. There would be no carnal Christians if God did not see our sins. (b) Because he chastises Christians for their sins. (c) Because some Christians will suffer loss at the judgment seat of Christ. (d) Because he commanded us to cleanse ourselves from the filthiness of the flesh and spirit – 2 Cor. 7:1 Does not mean we are fit for the ministry. Only those who depart from iniquity and purge themselves from the vessels of dishonor are fit according to 2 Tim. 2:19-21 Does not mean we cannot be taken captive by the devil. See 2 Tim. 2:24-26 Even though their sins are forgiven there are saints who have become captured by the devil. Does not mean we will win rewards at the judgment seat of Christ. They are earned by works. See 1 Cor. 3:13-14 Does not mean that we will reign with Christ. Only those who suffer for Christ in this life will reign with him according to 2 Tim. 2:12 Does not mean we have a license to sin. See Rom. 6:12-15 Forgiven sinners sin less not more. Does not mean we are clean and pure. Saints who are forgiven are told to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit in 2 Cor. 7:1. Does not mean we have no reason to fear God. We are commanded to fear God. See 2 Cor. 7:1, Eph. 5:21 Does not mean we should not work out our salvation with fear and trembling. See Philippians 2:12 Does not mean we will be presented blameless in God’s sight at Christ’s appearing. Colossians 1:21-22 is conditional on Colossians 1:23. (Notice the “IF”) Does not mean we will not suffer tribulation. See Acts 14:22, 2 Tim. 3:12, 1 Theses. 3:1-4 Does not mean we are free from the law of God. See Romans 7:22, 25, Romans 13:8-10 ----What Forgiveness of Sins Means It means we are free from the eternal condemnation of our sins. (Rom. 8:1) It means that the death and shed blood of Christ satisfied all of the just and legal demands of the law against our sins. (Gal. 3:13) It means we are free from the penalty of sin which is the second death. (Rom. 6:22-23) It means we will never suffer the eternal wrath of God for our sins. (Rom. 5:9, 2 Thess. 1:7-10)