Topical Encyclopedia Definition: Remission of sins refers to the act of God forgiving and pardoning a person's sins, removing the guilt and penalty associated with them. This concept is central to Christian theology and is closely associated with the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Biblical Foundation: The remission of sins is a foundational doctrine in Christianity, rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means by which sins are forgiven. The Bible presents this concept as an essential aspect of salvation and reconciliation with God. Old Testament Context: In the Old Testament, the concept of forgiveness is often linked with the sacrificial system. Leviticus 4:20 states, "He shall do with this bull just as he did with the bull of the sin offering; he shall do the same with this. So the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven." Here, the sacrificial system prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. New Testament Fulfillment: The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system through Jesus Christ. In Matthew 26:28 , Jesus declares during the Last Supper, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." This statement underscores the belief that Christ's blood, shed on the cross, is the basis for the remission of sins. Acts and the Early Church: The early church preached the remission of sins as a key component of the gospel message. In Acts 2:38 , Peter instructs, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This passage highlights repentance and baptism as responses to the offer of forgiveness through Christ. Pauline Theology: The Apostle Paul emphasizes the role of faith in receiving the remission of sins. In Romans 3:23-25 , he writes, "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 the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand." Paul underscores that it is through faith in Jesus' atoning sacrifice that believers receive forgiveness. The Role of Grace: The remission of sins is an act of divine grace. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." This passage highlights that forgiveness is not earned by human effort but is a gift from God, made possible through Christ's sacrifice. Practical Implications: The remission of sins has profound implications for the believer's life. It brings about reconciliation with God, peace of conscience, and the assurance of eternal life. It also calls believers to live in a manner worthy of the forgiveness they have received, as seen in Colossians 3:13 : "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Conclusion: The remission of sins is a central tenet of Christian faith, emphasizing God's mercy and grace through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It is a transformative gift that calls believers to a life of gratitude, holiness, and forgiveness toward others. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Remission of SinsREMISSION OF SINS re-mish'-un (aphesis, paresis): The two Greek words, of which the latter occurs only in Romans 3:25, were translated by the same English word in the King James Version. In the Revised Version (British and American), paresis is translation "passing over." It is contrasted with the other term as pretermission with remission. Remission is exemption from the consequences of an offense, forgiveness; pretermission is the suspension of the penalty (Philippi, Ellicott, Trench (Synonyms, XXXIII), Weiss; compare Acts 17:30). Cremer (Lexicon of N T Gr) regards the meaning of the two words as identical, except that the one refers to the Old Testament and the other to the New Testament. Sins are remitted when the offender is treated as though the offense had never been committed. Remission is restricted to the penalty, while forgiveness refers more particularly to the person, although it may be used also of the sin itself. Remission also is used of offenses against God's law; forgiveness, against either divine or human law. Library Whether the Remission of Sins Ought to be Reckoned Amongst the ... Whether the Remission of Sins Should be Numbered with the Things ... That we Obtain Remission of Sins by Faith Alone in Christ. On Repentance and Remission of Sins, and Concerning the Adversary. The Remission of Sins. Whether Extreme Unction Avails for the Remission of Sins? Of the Catholic Church, the Remission of Sins, and the ... But as Regards the Remission of Sins... Whether the Justification of the Ungodly is the Remission of Sins? Whether the Justification of the Ungodly is the Remission of Sins Resources What are indulgences and plenary indulgences and is the concept biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs the Catholic concept of absolution biblical? | GotQuestions.org Why is the humanity of Jesus important? | GotQuestions.org Remission: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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