The Bible's Viewpoint- Does God Forgive Sins?

Mercy is one of God's foremost qualities. (Psalm 86:15) How extensive is his mercy? A psalmist wrote: "If errors were what you watch, O Jah, O Jehovah, who could stand? For there is the true forgiveness with you, in order that you may be feared." (Psalm 130:3, 4) Another passage reads: "As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, so far off from us he has put our transgressions. As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those fearing him. For he himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust." -Psalm 103:12, 14.

Clearly, Jehovah's mercy is complete and instinting, and it takes into account our limitations and imperfections-that we are "dust." Consider some Bible examples that reveal the extent of God's mercy.

The apostle Peter denied Christ three times. (Mark 14:66-72) While an unbeliever, the apostle Paul persecuted Christ's followers. When certain ones of these were to be executed, Paul voted against them. He even approved of the murder of one of them. (Acts 8:1, 3; 9:2, 11; Galatians 1:13) Before becoming Christian, certain members of the congregation in Corinth had been drunkards, extortioners and thieves. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Yet, all these came to enjoy divine favor. Why did God forgive them?

Next time: Three Steps To Gaining God's Mercy

Awake! 2008