Question 116: How Does God Forgive Your Sins?

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 116: How does God forgive your sins?

God forgives my sins by His mercy through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. On the Cross, Jesus bore the penalty of my sin and satisfied the justice of God. When I repent and trust in Christ, God pardons my guilt, cleanses me from unrighteousness, and reconciles me to Himself—freely, fully, and forever. (Isaiah 53:5–6, Romans 3:23–26, 1 John 1:9, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 1:7)

Full Scripture References

“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. We all like sheep have gone astray; each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” — Isaiah 53:5–6 (BSB)

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness…” — Romans 3:23–25 (BSB)

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 (BSB)

“God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21 (BSB)

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace…” — Ephesians 1:7 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

God forgives my sins through the person and work of Jesus Christ, who bore my guilt on the Cross and rose again in victory. Forgiveness is not achieved by human effort or religious performance, but by the grace of God, poured out through the blood of His Son. In Christ, divine justice and mercy meet—He satisfies the demands of holiness and opens the way for sinners to be reconciled.

God does not ignore or excuse sin. Instead, He deals with it fully and finally through the atoning death of Jesus. When I turn from my sin and trust in Christ, God applies Christ’s finished work to me. I am justified—declared righteous in His sight—not because of my own worthiness, but because Jesus stood in my place. This forgiveness is judicial, removing the penalty of sin; it is also personal, restoring fellowship with the Father; and it is transforming, cleansing the soul and renewing the heart.

Article XI of the Thirty-Nine Articles affirms, “We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by faith, and not for our own works or deservings.” This is the heart of the Gospel: forgiveness is a gift of grace, received through faith.

Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “Forgiveness is the crown jewel of the Gospel. Without it, no man can have peace with God. With it, the weakest believer is safe and blessed forever” (Old Paths, 1877).

Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) explains, “God’s forgiveness is not sentimental. It is sacrificial. It cost the blood of Christ, and it flows to us freely by grace when we come in repentance and faith” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).

Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) states, “The Cross is the place where divine justice and divine mercy meet. In Christ, God doesn’t sweep sin under the rug—He bears it, condemns it, and overcomes it for our salvation” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).

Archbishop Henry Ndukuba (Primate, Church of Nigeria) writes, “The Cross of Christ is the mercy seat of God. There, sinners find pardon, the guilty find peace, and the lost are brought home” (Pastoral Letter, 2021).

Rev. Dr. Stephen Gauthier (ACNA) teaches, “God’s forgiveness is not partial or conditional. When He forgives, He does so completely—removing guilt, washing the heart, and restoring us as beloved children” (Anglican Perspective, 2020).

Forgiveness is not only a moment but a foundation. It frees me to love, to serve, and to live in the light of God’s grace, knowing that my debt has been paid and my soul is at peace.

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “God forgives not because He forgets justice, but because He has satisfied it in Christ. In Him, mercy is not a denial of righteousness but its fulfillment.” — Enchiridion, 27

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “The Lord bore our sins upon the tree, that we might be released from the curse of death. His wounds are the healing of our transgressions.” — Against Heresies, V.17.3

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “Though your sins be many, do not despair. The fountain is open. Christ died for the ungodly. His blood speaks better things than judgment.” — Catechetical Lectures, 2.3

St. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD): “The Word took on flesh that He might bear the punishment due to our sins and restore us to the Father. Through Him, we are forgiven and made new.” — On the Incarnation, 20

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

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