Biblical Answer

How Do I Know If God Has Forgiven Me?

Understanding Forgiveness in Christ

The Bible clearly states that "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). This means that through faith in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven of all our sins. However, knowing this in our heads is one thing, but truly experiencing forgiveness in our hearts is another. If we create our own rules and expectations for forgiveness, we may feel like we don't measure up, or that God's forgiveness is conditional. But the truth is, God's forgiveness is not based on our worthiness or performance, but on His own mercy and love.

The Reality of Forgiveness

Many people struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or self-loathing, which can make it difficult to believe that they are truly forgiven. But the Bible says that when we confess our sins and failures to God, He forgives us fully. This is not just a one-time event when we first accept Christ, but a ongoing process of surrender and trust. As we walk with God, we will notice that certain weaknesses or sins keep popping up. This is not a sign that we are not forgiven, but rather an opportunity to confess and seek help from God. By putting God at the center of our hourly choices, we can experience the freedom and joy that comes with knowing we are forgiven.

The Assurance of Forgiveness

So, how do we know if God has forgiven us? The answer is not based on how we feel, but on what God says. If we believe in Jesus Christ and have confessed our sins to Him, we can be assured of His forgiveness. This is not a feeling that we must conjure up, but a reality that we can trust in. As we walk with God, we will experience the freedom and joy that comes with knowing we are forgiven. We will be able to confess our sins and failures to Him, and trust in His forgiveness. This is not a cheap or easy forgiveness, but a deep and abiding reality that changes our lives forever. By putting God at the center of our lives, we can experience the fullness of His forgiveness and live a life that is marked by joy, freedom, and peace.