“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they shall become like wool.” — Isaiah 1:18 (BSB)
“This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” — Matthew 26:28 (BSB)
“All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” — Acts 10:43 (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)
Forgiveness means more than the removal of guilt—it is reconciliation with God, restoration of relationship, and renewal of the soul. It brings peace to the conscience and freedom from condemnation. In Psalm 103, the psalmist marvels that God removes our sins “as far as the east is from the west.” This is the joyful inheritance of every believer: to be fully known and fully pardoned. John Stott wrote, “The cross of Christ is the only ground on which a holy God can forgive sinful men and still be just.”
Anglican teaching upholds this truth as central to salvation. Article XI of the Thirty-Nine Articles states: “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.” The Book of Common Prayer includes frequent and heartfelt confessions of sin, always followed by declarations of God’s forgiveness through Christ. The absolution pronounced by the priest is not magic, but a pastoral assurance grounded in Gospel truth.
Bishop J.C. Ryle said, “Never be ashamed of seeking forgiveness. It is the first step into the kingdom of God.” Likewise, Bishop FitzSimons Allison emphasized, “Only a forgiven people can be truly free, because forgiveness alone silences the accusing voice of guilt and death.” Belief in the forgiveness of sins empowers Christians to live in humility, joy, and hope, knowing their past no longer defines them and their future is secure in Christ.
To confess “the forgiveness of sins” is to declare that God’s mercy is greater than our sin, and that Christ’s cross is sufficient for every transgression. This truth humbles the proud, lifts the fallen, and comforts the brokenhearted. It is the doorway to grace, the heartbeat of Christian assurance, and the power behind a life of holiness.
Irenaeus saw forgiveness as liberation and adoption through Christ’s redeeming work.
Tertullian (c. 155–220 AD) taught: “God grants pardon through the merits of Christ. The one who confesses and turns from sin receives grace and is renewed.” — On Repentance, 6
Tertullian emphasized repentance and confession as the way to receive God’s mercy.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD) declared: “Though your sins are many and grievous, the fountain of grace is open. Believe in Christ crucified and your sins are blotted out.” — Catechetical Lectures, 2.15
Cyril proclaimed the power of Christ’s sacrifice to cleanse the worst of sins.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) stated: “God forgives not because of who we are, but because of who Christ is. His mercy is the only hope of the penitent.” — Sermon 351
Augustine saw forgiveness as a gift of God’s grace through Christ alone.
St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD) said: “The Church is the place of forgiveness, where the wounds of sin are healed and the fallen are lifted up by grace.” — Pastoral Rule, 3.28
Gregory viewed the Church as the community where the mercy of Christ is applied and lived.
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
