The Gospel Centres on the Forgiveness of Sin
The Bible strongly emphasises that the forgiveness of sins, through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is the core and essential message of the gospel. It is presented as the primary blessing of the gospel, providing freedom from guilt and reconciliation with God. The Old Testament role of sacrifices for the forgiveness of sin was a ‘type’ or picture of what God himself would do for his people when His Son entered this world to die for our sin.
1. Forgiveness is the Core Gospel Message
The gospel is good news because sinners can receive forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice on that cross as a substitute for our sin, instead of facing rejection by God.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.“ Ephesians 1:7
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-39
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14
2. The Apostolic Commission
Jesus commissioned his followers to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations.
“This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46-47
Peter’s sermons demonstrated that forgiveness of sin was the central message:
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
“All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:43
3. The Basis of Forgiveness
The Bible teaches that forgiveness is a gift received through Jesus' blood, not something we can earn:
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:28
“In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:22
“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you[a] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:13-14
Redemption, being put right with God is synonymous with the forgiveness of sins through Christ’s blood.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:7
“. . . in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:14
4. How to Receive Forgiveness
Forgiveness is received through faith, and this results in the removal of all condemnation.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” Romans 8:1
“ When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’” Luke 5:20
To be forgiven requires genuine repentance.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9;
When we see the sin in ourselves and the love of God to come and forgive us we will be more graceful to others:
“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.” Matthew 6:14–15
What confidence we should have when we understand what forgiveness means.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12
This is the wonder and thrill of the gospel:
“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. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18–19
While the gospel includes other aspects such as our becoming members of the kingdom of God, the empowerment for service with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and our resurrection to be with God in heaven, the forgiveness of sins is presented as the core of the gospel message.
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