Forgiveness in the Old Testament

The concept of forgiveness is deeply rooted in the character of God as revealed in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for forgiveness, "סְלִיחָה" (selichah), is often associated with God's merciful nature. In Exodus 34:6-7, God proclaims His nature to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin." This passage highlights God's willingness to forgive, yet it also acknowledges that He does not leave the guilty unpunished, indicating a balance between mercy and justice.

The sacrificial system established in Leviticus provided a means for the Israelites to seek forgiveness for their sins. Leviticus 4 outlines the sin offering, which was a way for individuals to atone for unintentional sins. This system foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who would provide complete atonement for sin.

Forgiveness in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the theme of forgiveness is central to the message of the Gospel. Jesus Christ embodies God's forgiveness, offering redemption through His death and resurrection. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours." This underscores the reciprocal nature of forgiveness, where believers are called to forgive others as they have been forgiven by God.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." Here, forgiveness is not only a divine act but also a Christian duty, reflecting the transformative power of Christ's forgiveness in the believer's life.

Consequence of Sin

While God's forgiveness is freely offered, the Bible also teaches that sin carries consequences. In Galatians 6:7-8, Paul warns, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." This principle of sowing and reaping illustrates that while forgiveness restores the relationship with God, it does not always remove the temporal consequences of sin.

King David's life provides a poignant example of this truth. After his sin with Bathsheba, David repented and was forgiven by God, as recorded in Psalm 51. However, the consequences of his actions—strife within his family and the death of his child—remained (2 Samuel 12:10-14). This narrative demonstrates that divine forgiveness does not negate the natural outcomes of sinful choices.

The Balance of Forgiveness and Consequence

The interplay between forgiveness and consequence is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. God's forgiveness is complete and unconditional for those who repent and believe in Christ. However, the Bible consistently teaches that actions have consequences, both in this life and in the life to come. Hebrews 12:6 reminds believers, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This discipline is not punitive but corrective, aimed at guiding believers toward holiness and maturity in their faith.

In summary, the Lord's forgiveness is a profound expression of His grace and mercy, available to all who seek it through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, the reality of sin's consequences serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for a life aligned with God's will.