What other scriptures highlight God's willingness to forgive despite human rebellion? Setting the Scene: Numbers 14:20 • “So the LORD said, ‘I have pardoned them according to your word.’” Moses pleads; God forgives. This snapshot becomes a pattern woven through all of Scripture. Echoes in the Law and Historical Books • Exodus 34:6-7 — “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness… forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin.” • Nehemiah 9:17 — “But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them.” • 2 Chronicles 7:14 — “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray… then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” A Songbook of Mercy: Psalms • Psalm 86:5 — “For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all who call on You.” • Psalm 103:10-12 — “He has not dealt with us according to our sins… As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Prophetic Assurances • Isaiah 1:18 — “Though your sins are scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” • Isaiah 55:7 — “Let the wicked forsake his way… and He will abundantly pardon.” • Jeremiah 31:34 — “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sins no more.” • Daniel 9:9 — “To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.” • Micah 7:18-19 — “Who is a God like You… You delight in loving devotion. You will again have compassion… You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” • Jonah 4:2 — Jonah knew God was “a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in loving devotion, One who relents from sending disaster.” Portraits of Forgiveness in the Gospels • Matthew 9:2 — “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” • Luke 15:20-24 — The father runs to the prodigal, hugs him, clothes him, and declares, “This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” • Luke 23:34 — “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” New-Covenant Confirmation in the Letters • Acts 3:19 — “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” • Ephesians 1:7 — “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” • Colossians 2:13-14 — “He forgave us all our trespasses, having canceled the debt… nailing it to the cross.” • Hebrews 8:12 — “For I will forgive their wrongdoing, and I will remember their sins no more.” • 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” A Thread Running Through the Whole Word From Moses’ intercession in the wilderness to the cross outside Jerusalem, Scripture consistently, plainly, and literally declares a God who longs to pardon. Rebellion invites judgment, yet every era, genre, and covenant showcases His patient willingness to forgive those who turn to Him. |
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