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What does the Bible say about god forgiving?

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The Bible teaches that God freely forgives sinners who turn to him in faith, because Christ bore the judgment sin deserves. Romans 5:8 shows God’s love in Christ’s death for us while we were still sinners, and 1 John 1:9 promises cleansing when we confess our sins. Hebrews 8:12 declares that God remembers his people’s sins no more through his new covenant mercy. Forgiveness is received through faith in Jesus, as Acts 10:43 teaches, not earned by our works. Those forgiven by God are also called to forgive others from the heart, as Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25, and Ephesians 4:32 make clear.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 John 1:9

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • Matthew 6:14-15

    [14] "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

  • Hebrews 8:12

    For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness. I will remember their sins and lawless deeds no more."

  • Romans 5:8

    But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

  • Mark 11:25

    Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.

  • Ephesians 4:32

    And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

  • Acts 10:43

    All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins."

  • Luke 6:37

    Don't judge, And you won't be judged. Don't condemn, And you won't be condemned. Set free, And you will be set free.

  • 2 Chronicles 7:14

    if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

  • Matthew 18:21-22

    [21] Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?" [22] Jesus said to him, "I don't tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven.

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