The Forgiveness of Sin

For Meditation

We’ve been saying throughout this series on the Creed is that the Creed is not just a collection of doctrines, but rather tells the story of salvation. We looked first at God the Father, then God the Son, his death, resurrection and ascension, then God the Holy Spirit. We then looked at the work of the Trinity in creating the church, the place where God’s glory dwells. Finally, in these last few phrases, we look at the work that God does in his people. Of all the things that could be said about the present work of God in us, the Creed simply says: “The forgiveness of sins.” 

The forgiveness of sins that we affirm in the Creed has both a vertical and horizontal dimension. First, we affirm that at the root of our salvation is God’s forgiveness of our sin. We believe that every person is a sinner, and to admit that is to welcome God’s grace and to open the pathway to freedom. But second, by affirming the forgiveness of sins we are saying that the practice of forgiveness is one of the most powerful acts of the church— that as God has forgiven us, so we forgive one another. In a world of blame-shifting and vengence-seeking, this is powerfully countercultural.

But what does forgiveness really mean? Does it mean excusing, forgetting, or denying? We’ll spend some time this Sunday unpacking what forgiveness really means. 

Colossians 1:13–14; 3:12–13

13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Play along from home this week!

We’ve created parts for band and orchestral instruments, so you can play along to some of our worship songs this week! Find the parts here.