Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Christian faith. Today, we will see what the Bible says about asking for forgiveness and how it leads to restored relationships and peace with God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Disrespectful To Authority
What Does The Bible Say About Asking Forgiveness
Psalm 32:5
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and confessing our sins to God. When we humbly admit our wrongdoings and ask for forgiveness, God is faithful to forgive us and remove the burden of guilt.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
John encourages believers to confess their sins to God, assuring them that God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Confession opens the way for restoration and renewed fellowship with God.
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
This verse highlights the contrast between hiding and confessing sins. Those who try to hide their sins are unable to prosper spiritually, but those who openly confess and renounce their sins find God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Jesus teaches that forgiveness is a two-way street. If we want to receive God’s forgiveness, we must first be willing to forgive others who have wronged us. The act of forgiveness demonstrates our understanding of the forgiveness we have received from God.
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the need for ongoing forgiveness in our relationships. We are called to confront those who have wronged us, but if they genuinely repent, we are to freely forgive them, even if the offense is repeated numerous times. Forgiveness should be extended with a generous heart.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Paul instructs believers to bear with one another and forgive each other, just as God forgave them. Forgiveness requires patience and a willingness to let go of past grievances, mirroring the gracious forgiveness we have received from God.
Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
This verse reminds us that true forgiveness comes through Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death, we can obtain redemption and forgiveness of our sins as an outpouring of God’s abundant grace.
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
The psalmist paints a beautiful picture of God’s forgiveness and cleansing. When God forgives our sins, He removes them from us completely, separating us from them as far as the east is from the west.
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us settle the matter. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
God extends an invitation to His people to come and reason with Him. Though their sins are deeply stained, God promises to cleanse them and make them pure-white, as if they had never sinned. His forgiveness brings about a transformation that only He can accomplish.
Micah 7:18
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
These words of Micah glorify God’s unmatched ability to pardon sin and forgive transgressions. Unlike humans, who can harbor anger indefinitely, God delights in showing mercy. His forgiveness is a testament to His compassionate and loving nature.
Psalm 51:1-2
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
David’s plea for forgiveness, recorded in Psalm 51, demonstrates his repentant heart. He appeals to God’s unfailing love and great compassion, asking for his transgressions to be blotted out and for complete cleansing from sin. David understands that only God can wash away his iniquity.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Peter addresses the importance of repentance and turning to God for forgiveness. When we genuinely repent and seek God’s forgiveness, He wipes out our sins, bringing about a refreshing and renewed spiritual experience in our lives.
Mark 2:5
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’”
This verse demonstrates the authority of Jesus to forgive sins. When the paralyzed man’s sins were forgiven, it brought about not only physical healing but also a spiritual transformation. Jesus offers forgiveness that goes beyond the surface level, impacting every aspect of our lives.
Romans 4:7-8
“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
Paul quotes King David from Psalm 32, declaring that those whose transgressions are forgiven and sins are covered are truly blessed. The Lord’s forgiveness results in a clean slate, with our sins no longer held against us. This brings immeasurable joy and freedom.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Through Christ, believers become new creations. The old, sinful self is replaced with a new life in Christ. This transformation is made possible through God’s forgiveness and grace.
Hebrews 8:12
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
God promises to forgive our wickedness and not remember our sins anymore. His forgiveness goes beyond mere forgiveness; He chooses not to hold our forgiven sins against us. God’s forgetfulness of our sins is an incredible demonstration of His endless mercies.
Psalm 130:3-4
“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”
This psalmist acknowledges the absolute impossibility of standing before the Lord if He were to keep a record of sins. However, the psalmist finds hope in the truth that God offers forgiveness. It is through God’s forgiveness that we can humbly serve Him.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
The writer of Lamentations confesses that, because of God’s great love and faithfulness, they are not consumed by their sins. God’s compassion is unwavering and renewed every morning, giving us hope for a fresh start with His forgiveness.
Psalm 86:5
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”
This verse beautifully describes the forgiving and loving nature of the Lord. God’s love abounds towards those who earnestly call upon Him for forgiveness, offering grace and mercy without measure.
Psalm 145:8-9
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”
These verses highlight the graciousness, compassion, and love of the Lord towards all of His creation. God’s goodness and compassion extend to every person, making His forgiveness available to all who seek it.
Psalm 25:18
“Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.”
In this impassioned plea, the psalmist acknowledges their affliction and distress and calls upon the Lord to take away their sins. The psalmist recognizes that true relief and liberation come through God’s forgiveness.
Psalm 86:15
“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
This verse echoes the words of Exodus 34:6-7, where God reveals His character to Moses. The Lord is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in love and faithfulness. Such attributes are the foundation of His forgiveness towards His people.
Ezekiel 36:25
“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.”
God promises to cleanse His people from their impurities and idolatry. His forgiveness brings about a purification and renewal that only He can accomplish, washing away the stains of sin and restoring us to a right relationship with Him.
Psalm 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
David humbly offers a broken spirit and a contrite heart as his sacrifice to God. He understands that true repentance and a humble heart are pleasing to God, who readily forgives and accepts those who come before Him in genuine repentance.