Topical Bible: Faith: Through It Is: Remission of Sins

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Topical Encyclopedia

Faith, a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is the means by which believers receive the remission of sins. This remission, or forgiveness, is a fundamental aspect of salvation and is made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The concept of faith as the pathway to forgiveness is deeply rooted in Scripture and is essential for understanding the Christian experience of grace and redemption.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides a clear articulation of the role of faith in the remission of sins. In the Book of Acts, the Apostle Peter emphasizes the necessity of faith for forgiveness: "All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name" (Acts 10:43). This passage underscores the belief that faith in Jesus Christ is the channel through which God's forgiveness is granted.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his epistles. In Ephesians, he writes, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7). Here, Paul links faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice to the forgiveness of sins, highlighting the grace that is extended to believers.

The Role of Faith

Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on Jesus Christ for salvation. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" . This assurance and certainty are foundational for the believer's relationship with God, as faith is the means by which one receives the promises of God, including the remission of sins.

The act of believing in Jesus Christ is transformative, leading to a new life characterized by the forgiveness of past sins and the empowerment to live righteously. Romans 3:22-25 explains, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, 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" . This passage highlights the universality of sin and the availability of forgiveness through faith.

Faith and Repentance

While faith is the means by which remission of sins is received, it is closely linked with repentance. Repentance involves a turning away from sin and a turning toward God, and it is often seen as the fruit of genuine faith. In Acts 3:19, Peter calls for repentance as a precursor to forgiveness: "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away" . This turning back to God is an integral part of the faith journey, demonstrating the sincerity of one's belief.

The Assurance of Forgiveness

Believers are assured of forgiveness through faith, as God is faithful to His promises. 1 John 1:9 offers reassurance: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" . This assurance is a source of comfort and hope, encouraging believers to live in the freedom that comes from knowing their sins are forgiven.

In summary, faith is the divinely appointed means by which believers receive the remission of sins. It is through faith in Jesus Christ, His death, and His resurrection that individuals are justified and reconciled to God, experiencing the fullness of His grace and mercy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 10:43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 3:25
Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That we Obtain Remission of Sins by Faith Alone in Christ.
... Wherefore let not good minds suffer themselves to be forced from the conviction
that we receive remission of sins for Christ's sake, only through faith. ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 5 that we obtain.htm

What is Justifying Faith?
... of sins, grace, and all salvation, through Christ the ... and to receive the offered
promise of the remission of sins ... [Faith is that my whole heart takes to itself ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 3 what is justifying.htm

That Faith in Christ Justifies.
... so that not faith itself is that through which we ... we wish first to show this, that
faith alone makes of an unjust, a just man, ie, receives remission of sins. ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 4 that faith in.htm

Some Clever Men Imagine that the Lord's Supper was Instituted for ...
... as is truly confident that the remission of sins ... might move the heart to believe
[and strengthen faith]. For through these, namely, through Word and Sacrament ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 32 some clever men.htm

Of the Catholic Church, the Remission of Sins, and the ...
... Thus, then, we believe also in The Remission of Sins ... of wrath," [1641] that is, of
vengeance, through which it ... is the spirit to God unto true faith and goodwill ...
/.../a treatise on faith and the creed /chapter 10 of the catholic church.htm

Whether the Justification of the Ungodly is the Remission of Sins
... remission of sins." It follows that the remission of sins ... to one who is not in sin,
through his receiving ... him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article one whether the justification.htm

Concerning Faith and Baptism.
... The remission of sins, therefore, is granted alike to all through baptism: but the
grace of the Spirit is proportional to the faith and previous purification. ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter ix concerning faith and baptism.htm

On Justification
... all preceding sins are for, given, and through the whole life, because God has promised
remission of sins ... as they repent and flee by true faith to Christ ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlviii on justification.htm

The Pious Old Man Rejoices that He Read Plato and the Scriptures ...
... thou believe in eternal life, and remission of sins through the Holy Church?' Eusebius
and many other Fathers also speak of the profession of faith made at ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter ii the pious old man.htm

Easter Monday
... favor through the Law, or by their own efforts. In Christ's name alone
is remission of sins received, and that through faith. 11. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter monday.htm