JEHOVAH REMOVES SIN- Conclusion

 Even though Jehovah figuratively removes sins far away from  us, does he keep holding on to them? No. King Hezekiah wrote of Jehovah: "You have thrown all my sins behind your back." Or as the footnote puts it, "you have removed all my sins from your sight." (Isaiah 38:9, 17; ftn.) This word picture shows that Jehovah takes the sins of repentant ones and throws them out of view. This statement could also be rendered:  "You have made my sins as if they had not happened." The Bible further emphasizes this in point in another word picture, recorded at Micah 7:18, 19. (Read.) There Jehovah is spoken of as throwing our sins into the depths of the sea. In ancient times, it would have been impossible for someone to retrieve an object that had been hurled int the depths of the sea. 

By means of these word pictures, we have learned that when Jehovah forgives us, he reliefs us of the burden of our sins. Truly, as David said: "Happy are those who lawless deeds have been pardoned and who sins have been covered; happy is the man whose sin Jehovah will by no means take into account." (Romans 4:7, 8) That is true forgivene3ss!

Next time: JEHOVAH WIPES OUT SIN

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JEHOVAH REMOVES SIN

 In the Bible, sins are often likened to heavy burdens. King David described his own sins this way: "My errors loom over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too much for me to bear." (Psalm 38:4) But Jehovah pardons the sins of wrongdoers. (Psalm 25:18; 32:5) The Hebrew expression translated "pardon" basically means to "lift up" or "carry."   We might think of Jehovah as a strong man who figuratively lifts the burden of sin off our shoulders and carries it away.

Another word picture shows just how far away Jehovah carries our sins. Psalm 103:12 tells us: "As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, so far off has put our transgressions." East is the farthest point from west. The two points never meet. In other words, Jehovah takes our sins as far away from us as we can imagine. What reassuring way to describe his forgiveness!

Next time: JEHOVAH REMOVES SIN - Conclusion

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Jehovah's Forgiveness -What It Means for You - Conclusion

 When Jehovah forgives someone, that person's sin is wiped out. The damaged relationship is entirely restored. Jehovah's forgiveness is amazingly complete and generous. - Read ISAIAH 55:6, 7,

If Jehovah's forgiveness differs from ours, how can we as imperfect humans possibly understand its true meaning? Jehovah helps us by using vivid word pictures to describe his true forgiveness. In this article, we will examine some of them. They will show us how Jehovah removes sin and, at the same time, restores the relationship that has been damaged by sin. As we review these illustrations, we will deepen or appreciation for our tender Father, who expresses his forgiveness in so many ways. 

Next time: JEHOVAH REMOVES SIN

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Jehovah's Forgiveness -What It Means for You

 "With you there is true forgiveness." - PSALM 130:4.

"I FORGIVE YOU." How refreshing those words can be, especially if you know that you said or did something that hurt someone! But what does the phrase "I forgive you really mean? Is the person you hurt saying that your friendship has been fully restored? Or does he simply mean that he does not want to talk about the issue anymore? The forgiveness humans can extend can be complicated.

The way Jehovah forgives us imperfect humans is very different from the way we forgive one another. The forgiveness Jehovah extends is unique. The psalmist said of Jehovah: "With you there is true forgiveness, so that you may be held in awe." (Psalm 130:4) Yes, Jehovah's forgiveness is "true forgiveness." He sets the ultimate standard of what forgiveness really means. In some cases, Bible writers used a Hebrew word for forgiveness that is never used to describe human forgiveness. 

Next time: Jehovah's Forgiveness-What It Means for You - Conclusion 

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THE RESULTS: REDEMPTION AND BEING DECLARED RIGHTEOUS - Conclusion

 What does this mean for each of us? Those who have been selected to rule with Jesus in heaven have already been declared righteous as children of God. (Titus 3:7; 1 John 3:1) Their sins have forgiven. They no longer have, as it were, a criminal record, and thus they qualify to be in the Kingdom. (Romans 8:1, 2, 30) Those who have an earthly hope have been declared righteous as friends of God, and their sins are forgiven. (James 2:21-23) The great crows, who will survive Armageddon, have the prospect of never dying at all. (John 11:26) The "righteous " and the "unrighteous" who are sleeping in death are in line to be resurrected. (Acts 24:15; John 5:28, 29) Eventually, all obedient servants of Jehovah on earth will "have the glorious freedom of the children of God." (Romans 8:21) What an amazing blessing comes from the atonement arrangement-total reconciliation with our Father. Jehovah. 

Truly, our situation was once like that of the young man mentioned earlier who lost everything and inherited a huge debt he could never repay. But thanks to Jehovah, we have help. Our situation has change because of the atonement arrangement and the payment of the ransom. Our faith in Jesus Christ allows us to be redeemed or set free from sin and death. Our sins can also be canceled, and our criminal record erased. Most important of all, though, we can now have a good relationship with our loving heavenly Father, Jehovah.

As we mediate on what Jehovah and Jesus have done for us, our heart is filled with appreciation. (2 Corinthians 5:15) Without their help, we would have no hope at all! But what does Jehovah's forgiveness really mean for us individually? That is what we will discuss in the next article.

Next time: Jehovah's Forgiveness -What It Means for You

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THE RESULTS: REDEMPTION AND BEING DECLARED RIGHTEOUS - Continue

 Because of the ransom sacrifice, we can be set free from the oppressive rule of sin and death. (Romans 5:21) Certainly, we have good reason to feel deeply indebted to Jehovah and Jesus for the redemption that comes from the precious blood, or life of Jesus. - 1 CORINTHIANS 15:22.

Being declared righteous means that the charges against us have been dropped and our record has been expunged, or wiped clean. But because of our faith in the atonement arrangement and the ransom price that was paid, Jehovah has a basis for canceling our debts. - ROMANS 3:24; GALATIANS 2:16. 

Next time: THE RESULTS: REDEMPTION AND BEING DECLARED RIGHTEOUS - Conclusion

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THE RESULTS: REDEMPTION AND BEING DECLARED RIGHTEOUS

 What are the results of the atonement arrangement? The Bible uses several expressions to highlight the benefits. Although the meanings of these words overlap, each word emphasizes a certain aspect of the atonement arrangement that opens the way for Jehovah's forgiveness. As we analyze these words, we will also see how they affect us personally.

In the Bible, redemption refers to the releasing, or acquittal, that results because of the payment of the ransom. The apostle Peter expressed it this way: "You know that it was with corruptible things, with silver or gold, that you were set free [lit., you were ransomed; "you were redeemed"] from your futile way of life handed down to you by your forefathers. But it was with precious blood, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb, that of Christ. " - 1 PETER 1:18, 19; ftn.

Next time: THE RESULTS: THE REDEMPTION AND BEING DECLARED RIGHTEOUS - Continue

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THE PRICE: THE RANSOM

 According to the Bible, a ransom is the price paid to bring about atonement and reconciliation. From Jehovah's standpoint, it provides the basis to restore what is lost. In what way? Remember, Adam and Eve lost their perfect life along with the prospect of living forever. So the ransom would need to be a price of equal value to what was lost. (1 Timothy 2:6) It could be paid only by an adult man who (1) was perfect (2) had the potential of living forever on earth; and (3) was willing to give up, or sacrifice, that life for us. Only thing could the life of that person replace, or atone for, the life that was lost.

Consider three reasons why Jesus was able to pay the ransom price. (1) He was perfect-"he committed no sin." (1Peter 2:22) (2) because of that, he had the potential of living forever on earth. (3) He willing to die and give up that life for us. (Hebrews 10:9, 10) As a perfect man, Jesus was the equal of the first man, Adam, before he sinned. (1 Corinthians 15:45) So by Jesus' death, he was able to atone for Adam's sin, that is, to replace what Adam had lost. (Romans 5:19) Jesus thus became "the last Adam." There is no need for another perfect person to come and pay what Adam had lost. Jesus died "once for all time." - HEBREWS 7:27; 10:12.

What, then, is the difference between the atonement arrangement and the ransom? The atonement arrangement is the action God takes to restore a good relationship between him and mankind. The ransom is the price paid to make atonement possible for mankind.  This price is represented by Jesus' precious blood poured out in our behalf. - EPHESIANS 1:7; HEBREWS 9:14. 

Next time: THE RESULTS: REDEMPTION AND BEING DECLARED RIGHTEOUS

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THE ARRANGEMENT: ATONEMENT

 Atonement is the arrangement Jehovah put in place for restoring a good relationship between him and sinful humans. It involves exchanging one thing for another of equal value. In this way, something that is lost or destroyed can be regained or replaced. The Christian Greek Scriptures use a related term that is similar in meaning to "atonement," propitiation. (Romans 3:25) Propitiation is the act that allows one to be a peace with God and to have a good relationship with him.

To enable the Israelites to enjoy a good relationship with him, Jehovah instituted a temporary arrangement for the forgiveness of their sins. In Israel, Atonement Day was observed annually. On that day, the high priest would offer animal sacrifices on behalf of the people. Of course, animal sacrifices could not completely atone for anyone's sins because animals are inferior to humans. But as long as the repentant Israelites offered the sacrifices that Jehovah required, he was willing to forgive their sins. (Hebrews 10:1-4) In addition, that arrangement and their regular sin offerings impressed on the minds of the Israelites the seriousness of their sinful state and their great need for a permanent solution.

Jehovah had a permanent arrangement in mind for the forgiveness of sins. He arranged for his beloved Son to be "offered once and for all time to bear the sins of many." (Hebrews 9:28) Jesus gave "his life as a ransom in exchange for many." (Matthew 20:28) What is a ransom? 

Next time: THE PRICE: THE RANSOM

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THE GOAL: RECONCILIATION

 In addition to losing the prospect of everlasting life, Adam and Eve lost their precious relationship with Jehovah. Originally, Adam and Eve were part of God's family. (Luke 3:38) But when they disobeyed Jehovah, they were expelled from his family before they started to have children. (Genesis 2:23, 24; 4:1) As their descendants, we therefore need to be reconciled to Jehovah.  (Read Romans 5:10, 11.) In other words, we need to develop a good relationship with him. According to one reference work, the Greek word use here for "reconcile" can mean to "make a friend out of an enemy." Amazingly, Jehovah is the one who took the initiative to make this possible. How? 

Next time: THE ARRANGEMENT: ATONEMENT

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Jehovah's Forgiveness - Why We Appreciate It - Conclusion

 Thinking back to the young man mentioned at the outset, how would he feel if a wealthy man offered to pay off all his debts? No doubt, the young man would be moved by deep appreciation to accept that offer. In a similar way, our loving Father, Jehovah has given us a gift that pays for the debt of sin that we have inherited from Adam. Jesus explained it this way: "God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Additionally, this same gift allows us the possibility of establishing relationship with Jehovah. 

How can we benefit from this amazing gift and have our sins, or "debts," forgiven? The answer to that question is found in the Bible's use of such terms as reconciliation, atonement, propitiation, ransom, redemption, and being declared righteous.  In this article, we will discuss the meaning of each of these concepts. As we meditate on these explanations, our appreciation for the basis of Jehovah's forgiveness will grow.

Next time: THE GOAL: RECONCILIATION

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Jehovah's Forgiveness-Why We Appreciate It - Continue

 Jesus likened sins to "debts." (Matthew 6:12; Luke 11:4) When we sin, it is as if we incur a debt to Jehovah. We have to pay the penalty for the sin. Should this debt be left unpaid, it would be canceled only when we die. - ROMANS 6:7, 23.

Is it possible for us to regain all that Adam and Eve lost? Not on our own merits. (Read Psalm 49:7-9.) Without help, we would have no hope for a future life or a resurrection. In fact, our death would be just as like that of animals. - ECCLESIASTES 3:19; 2 PETER 2:12. 

Next time: Jehovah's Forgiveness -Why We Appreciate It - Conclusion

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Jehovah's Forgiveness - Why We Appreciate It

 "God so loved the world that he gave his only- begotten Son." -JOHN 3:16.

IMAGINE a young man who has been brought up in a wealthy family. One day tragedy strikes; his parents are killed in an accident. The news is devastating to him. However, another shock awaits this young man. He learns that his parents squandered the family fortune and that they acquired huge debts. Now imagine that instead on inheriting wealth, he inherits their debts, and creditors are demanding payment. The debt is far beyond his ability to repay.

In some ways, our situation is like that of this young man. Our original parents, Adam and Eve, were perfect and lived in a beautiful paradise. (Genesis 1:27; 2:7-9) They had the prospect of enjoying a rich endless life. But then everything changed. They lost their Paradise home as well as their prospect of everlasting life. What inheritance could they pass on to their future children? The Bible tells us: "Through one man [Adam] sin entered the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned." (Romans 5:12) The inheritance Adam passed on to us is sin, resulting in death. This inherited sin is like a huge debt, one that none of us can pay off.   - PSALM 49:8.

Next time: Jehovah's Forgiveness-Why We Appreciate It - Continue

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RESPOND TO JEHOVAH'S LOVE - Conclusion

 Of course, your circumstances may not permit you to do everything suggested in this article. Remember, though, Jehovah does not look at how much you give in comparison with what others give; he sees what is in your heart. He is pleased when he observes your heartfelt gratitude for his precious gift, the ransom. - 1 SAMUEL 16:7; MARK12:41-44.

It is only because of the ransom that we have forgiveness of our sins, a friendship with Jehovah, and the prospect of everlasting life. May we always show our gratitude for Jehovah's love, which moved him to make these blessings available to us. (1 John 4:19) May we also demonstrate our appreciation for Jesus, who loved us so much that he gave his perfect human life in our behalf! - JOHN 15:13.

Next time: Jehovah's Forgiveness-Why We Appreciate It

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