Jesus Signed My Pardon

HEBREWS 8:12

"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness; and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

The new covenant provides complete forgiveness from sins: "For I will forgive . . . and will remember their sins no more." People of the old covenant had forgiveness of sins (see Exodus 34:6-8; Micah 7:18-20), but they had experienced an incomplete, unlasting forgiveness as determined by the incessant need to make sacrifices for sins. In the new covenant, sin and its effect of separating people from God are eliminated. God wipes out memory and renders sin as if it had never occurred . Sin's impact is completely overcome, making it possible for believers to receive the promised blessing. There is no longer any barrier to our relationship with God. We have received once-for-all cleansing. Have you received forgiveness for your sins?

All four of these characteristics (noted in the commentary on verses 10-12) bring about a true righteousness that could not be known under the old covenant.

8:12. God had promised new power to fulfill his laws and a new closeness to know and understand him. His third promise offered forgiveness to sinners. A literal translation of verse 12 has God promising, “I will be merciful to their deeds of unrighteousness.” God had always been merciful. The new covenant gave more open expression to God’s mercy.

The parallel statement that God would remember their sins no more reassured sinners that God’s forgiveness was complete. God, unlike human beings, does not say, “I will forgive, but I will not forget.” God promises to forget our sins.

The ground of forgiveness was not human repentance but Jesus’ sacrificial death. Only the death of Jesus could provide full assurance that God has wiped away sins and made believers righteous in his sight. God took the initiative to give sinners his grace and mercy. Because God really dealt with sins, the blessings of knowing him and serving him with power become possible.[1]

I. GOD'S PENALTY

God's law tells us that ALL are guilty. he that believeth not is condemned already..." (John 3:18). Paul says, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one" (Rom. 3:10).

The Book of God's law has set the standard and we read, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23).

According to the Bible, everyone is guilty and the penalty is hanging over every head. Millions are sitting on death row.

II. GOD'S PAYMENT

Romans 5:8 tells us, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

In the New Testament, Jesus was the Lamb. His payment was made for all and He substituted as the Lamb. God has said that His sacrifice was our payment. By faith we believe it and relax.

III. GOD'S PLEA

But God is concerned. God loves men and is not willing that any should perish. Through the efforts of the Holy Spirit, the Lord is speaking, reminding and warning men of their need. God's plea is, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isa. 1:18).

IV. GOD'S PROMISE

Man is condemned. God has provided a payment. Now, the Lord is pleading with the hearts of men to believe and receive His gift of salvation.

He has said, "... him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37). The man who has been saved has believed the promise of God, and the man who is still lost has not, as yet, believed God.

V. GOD'S PARDON

Man does not have enough money to pay the fine. It would take eternity to serve out the sentence! The only hope is a full pardon. The Bible says, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36).