Compare Job 14:17 with Psalm 103:12. How do they relate to forgiveness? Looking at Job 14:17 “My transgression would be sealed in a bag, and You would cover over my iniquity.” • Job pictures sin being tied up, hidden, and covered—placed where it can no longer accuse him. • The verb “sealed” implies permanency; once God closes the bag, it stays shut. • Even in his suffering, Job trusts that the Lord can put sins out of sight. Looking at Psalm 103 :12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” • David chooses limitless distance; east and west never meet. • Removal, not concealment, is emphasized: the sin itself is taken away. • The verse rests on God’s covenant love (vv. 8–11), showing His heart behind the action. A Common Thread: Divine Forgiveness Both verses celebrate God’s decisive treatment of sin: - He handles the guilt Himself. - He ensures it no longer hinders relationship. - He acts unilaterally, motivated by mercy, not human merit. Two Images, One Reality Job 14 :17 — Sealed and covered Psalm 103 :12 — Removed and distanced Together they teach: • Comprehensive cleansing—nothing left exposed (cf. Isaiah 38 :17). • Irreversible action—no reopening the bag, no shrinking of the distance (cf. Hebrews 10 :17). • Personal assurance—the same God who hid Job’s sin also removes David’s, offering complete pardon to all who trust Him. How These Verses Strengthen Our Assurance - Micah 7 :19: “You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” ― another picture of total disposal. - Colossians 2 :14: He “canceled the record of debt… nailing it to the cross.” - Ephesians 1 :7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.” Taken together, Scripture piles image upon image so believers know their sins are: 1. Sealed away, 2. Carried off, 3. Buried deep, 4. Forgotten by God. Putting Forgiveness into Daily Living • Rest: stop trying to reopen what God has sealed. • Worship: praise the One who moved your sins an infinite distance. • Walk free: refuse condemnation when God has already covered and removed the guilt (Romans 8 :1). |
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