By Jeff Cloeter
For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more (Jeremiah 31:34 ESV).
Under normal circumstances, amnesia is a bad thing. In this verse, it is holy.
Could God call up a spreadsheet of all our offenses? Of course. God has the right to recall all our sins. But because of Jesus’ forgiveness, he chooses not to remember them. His forgiveness is not partial. He does not keep our record in his back pocket, ready to wave it in our face when we mess up again. The cross is evidence of the finality of forgiveness. Forgiveness is full. We read about this full assurance in Hebrews 10:19–23 (ESV):
Since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Our Savior casts our sin out and away. We are truly and wholly freed by Jesus’ blood. Your sins are remembered no more!
Editor’s note: Today’s devotion is slightly adapted from CTA’s Lent prayer journal, It Is Finished. The journal walks worshipers through the seven phrases Jesus said from the cross. The readings and space for personal reflection provide a deep and personal look into salvation. Send one home with each of your worshipers this Easter season!
You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use when you include this credit line and receive no monetary benefit from it: © 2020 CTA, Inc. Used with permission.
