Forgiveness in the Bible and What it Means for You

Forgiveness is one of the most well-known yet complex topics in Scripture. The theme of forgiveness is at the center of the gospel, redemption, the Old Testament covenants, and Jesus’ death on the cross. Forgiveness from God to humans is part of it, and forgiveness from one human to another is the other part.

Some of the most common questions asked about forgiveness in the Bible include, “What does forgiveness mean?” “How do I forgive someone who harmed me?” and, “What does the Bible say about forgiveness?”

If you want to learn more about forgiveness in the Bible, keep reading for forgiveness Bible verses and what they mean in context. Individual Christian counseling can help you address the concept of forgiveness in your own life and help you apply Scripture and what it says about forgiveness, reconciliation, grace, and healing.

Forgiveness in the Old Testament

Let’s take a look at some references to the concept of forgiveness in the Old Testament before Jesus was born.

In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.” The Lord replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked. – Numbers 14:19-21, NIV

In this chapter, Moses is praying for the Lord’s forgiveness after the people of Israel rebelled against God in the desert. God immediately grants his prayer and forgives His people’s rebellion, sparing them from death.

But there are still consequences for their sin because that generation would no longer be able to live in the Promised Land; it would be given to the next generation. In this passage, we can see that sometimes, forgiveness and consequences go hand in hand.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. – Psalm 32:5, NIV

This psalm shows a similar pattern. David recounts how he sinned against God, and then how he kept silent and did not confess his sin. It is only after he confesses his sin that he experiences God’s forgiveness, and then enjoys God’s protection and deliverance.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. – Psalm 103:12, NIV

Psalm 103 is a psalm of praise to God, recounting gratitude for the things He has done, including forgiving His people for the ways they have transgressed against Him. Forgiveness is at the heart of God’s character, and it is foundational to his relationship with his children.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18, NIV

Being cleansed from sin is a concept we can see often in the Old Testament. Sin is a stain, and forgiveness washes it clean.

I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. – Isaiah 43:25, NIV

This is another example of forgiveness being integral to the character of God. He wipes out the transgressions of His people as if they had never occurred. He forgets their sins. And he does it for His own sake and His glory.

Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. – Isaiah 55:7, NIV

Confession and forgiveness go hand-in-hand, and so do repentance and forgiveness. Turning away from sin and going in the opposite direction show a heart that is humble and willing. Turning to God requires first turning from sin. With this heart posture, God shows his willingness to extend mercy and pardon (or forgiveness) to those who ask.

“No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” – Jeremiah 31:34, NIV

The purpose of forgiveness is to be able to have a relationship with the Lord. Sin cannot exist in his presence, so when we are living in sin, we cannot approach Him freely.

But when He forgives our sins, we can approach Him and know Him in relationship. This divine relationship is available to each person  –  no one has to approach God through a human proxy.

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. – Micah 7:18-19, NIV

We can see again that the Bible vividly depicts God getting rid of sin, stomping on it, and throwing it into the depths of the ocean. He “delights” to show mercy, meaning He revels in withholding punishment from those who deserve it. He shows compassion as He offers forgiveness.

Forgiveness in the New Testament

Now let’s review a few Scriptures that show forgiveness in the Bible from a New Testament perspective:

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13, NIV

Paul writes to the church in Colossae, reminding them to have grace toward one another in light of what Christ has done for them in forgiving their sins. This horizontal forgiveness is a key tenet of forgiveness in the New Testament. God forgives us, and in light of that, we must forgive others.

Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. – James 5:16, NIV

In this passage, the idea of forgiveness connects with the concepts of confession and prayer. Healing in this context refers to the physical healing of illnesses that may have reflected God’s discipline for sin. Confession of sin means acknowledging it to turn away from it.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:31-32, NIV

Paul often discusses the need for believers in Christ to “put off” the old ways (sin) and “put on” holiness. He gets specific in explaining what sanctification (the process of growing in holiness) means to a Christian. And we can see again the comparison between our forgiveness from God and our obligation to forgive others in turn.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9, NIV

This verse brings us to the heart of forgiveness in the Bible: God’s forgiveness of our sins through Christ’s death on the cross. Confession, or acknowledging our sins, allows us to receive forgiveness of sins and purification of our uncleanness.

Forgiveness in the Bible

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. – Ephesians 2:4-5, NIV

Forgiveness brings us from being dead in our sins to being alive in Christ. And because we have been forgiven, God enables us to forgive others. To live a holy life and walk in grace, we have to be changed from the inside out and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Christian counseling for forgiveness issues

Maybe you’re struggling to overcome a deep sense of shame for sins you’ve committed or pain you’ve caused. Maybe you think God will never forgive you for what you’ve done, or that there’s no way you could be redeemed at this point. Shame can overcome you and leave a fog that makes it difficult for you to see God’s offer of forgiveness and grace.

Or maybe you’re seeking healing from a wrong that was done to you in the past, and you don’t understand how you can forgive the person who harmed you. Forgiveness can take time. Reconciliation isn’t a necessary part of forgiveness. Your Christian counselor can help you work through the nuances of your struggle with grace and patience.

Forgiveness must be a part of every relationship for it to thrive. We are all sinners, and those of us who believe in Christ are dependent on His grace every day. By living in gratitude for what He has done for us, and extending grace to others, we grow in holiness every day.

If you are interested in learning more about Christian counseling, forgiveness in the Bible, or how to schedule your first session, please contact our office today. You can also look through our counselor directory or fill out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.