> The concept of forgiveness is central to the Christian faith. At the moment of our justification—when we place our faith in Jesus Christ—God forgives all our sins: past, present, and future. Yet, Scripture also calls us to regularly confess and repent of our sins. How do we reconcile these two truths? Understanding the difference between God’s judicial forgiveness and His parental forgiveness provides clarity and guidance for living a faithful Christian life.
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Judicial Forgiveness: Our Standing Before God
Judicial forgiveness refers to God’s once-for-all act of pardoning a sinner who believes in Jesus Christ. When we are justified by faith, God declares us righteous in His sight (Romans 5:1). This is a legal declaration, made possible through Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross. The apostle Paul writes, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). This means that God has removed the penalty of sin—eternal separation from Him—and has reconciled us to Himself through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
At the moment of justification, all our sins—past, present, and future—are forgiven in a judicial sense. God sees us as righteous because of Christ’s perfect obedience and sacrifice on our behalf. Our standing before God is secure, and nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). This is the basis of our assurance of salvation.
Parental Forgiveness: Our Fellowship with God
While our legal standing before God is settled once and for all at justification, our daily experience of fellowship with Him can be affected by sin. This is where the concept of parental forgiveness comes into play. Just as a loving parent forgives a child who has done wrong, God, our heavenly Father, calls us to confess our sins and repent regularly to maintain a close relationship with Him.
1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This is not a call to regain our salvation, for that is secure, but a call to restore and deepen our fellowship with God. Sin disrupts our intimacy with God, causing a loss of joy and a sense of distance. Through confession and repentance, we acknowledge our need for His grace and align ourselves with His will.
Reconciling Judicial and Parental Forgiveness
To reconcile these two aspects of forgiveness, we must understand that they address different needs in the believer’s life. Judicial forgiveness deals with our position before God; it is a once-for-all act that makes us right with Him and secures our eternal destiny. Parental forgiveness, however, deals with our ongoing relationship with God as His children.
While judicial forgiveness is about our position, parental forgiveness is about our experience. God remains our loving Father even when we sin, but unconfessed sin can hinder our experience of His presence, peace, and joy. Therefore, regular confession and repentance are necessary to restore our experiential fellowship with Him.
How Should We Respond to These Truths?
1. Rest in the Assurance of Our Salvation: Understanding that God’s judicial forgiveness covers all our sins allows us to rest securely in His grace. We are no longer condemned but are free to live as beloved children of God. This assurance should fill us with gratitude and joy, inspiring us to live a life that honors Him.
2. Practice Regular Confession and Repentance: Acknowledging our sins before God should not be seen as a burdensome duty but as a privilege that draws us closer to Him. Confession is an act of humility that demonstrates our dependence on God’s mercy and grace. It restores our fellowship with God and keeps our hearts soft and sensitive to His leading.
3. Pursue Holiness in Our Daily Lives: Recognizing that sin affects our fellowship with God should motivate us to pursue holiness. As the apostle Peter urges, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). This pursuit is not about earning God’s love or forgiveness but about living out the identity we have already received in Christ.
4. Embrace God’s Discipline with Gratitude: Hebrews 12:6 tells us, “The Lord disciplines the one he loves.” When we experience God’s discipline, it is a sign of His parental care and a call to return to the joy of close fellowship with Him. Embracing His correction with gratitude helps us grow in spiritual maturity.
Conclusion
God’s forgiveness is both complete and ongoing—covering all our sins at the moment of justification while calling us to continual confession and repentance for a vibrant relationship with Him. Understanding these twin truths allows us to live with assurance of our salvation while continually seeking deeper fellowship with our loving Father. Let us, therefore, rest in His judicial forgiveness and respond to His call for parental forgiveness, walking daily in His light and grace.
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