Knowing you’re forgiven is a big part of finding freedom in Christianity. The Bible tells us that after we’ve prayed for God’s forgiveness, we can believe we’re forgiven and accept His gift of pardon.
But have you ever prayed for forgiveness, then felt the same after that? The same lingering guilt and remorse, or a sense of unworthiness before God or others?
You might’ve wondered how forgiveness works and how you can know for sure that your sins have been put away.
If that’s you, then here are three points from the Bible to help you have that assurance:
Let’s start by looking at how God views us when we come to Him in sorrow for our sins.
God’s sure promise to forgive you
The Bible has many promises of God’s eagerness to forgive our sins when we ask Him for that gift. He is more than willing to free us from our guilty consciences and give us the opportunity to live for Him (Hebrews 10:22). He doesn’t hold hard feelings toward us.
God longs to be in a close relationship with us.
But the one thing that comes between Him and us is sin. That’s why He made a way to restore that relationship with us through the sacrifice of Jesus.
When we confess our mistakes and receive Jesus’ goodness in place of our wrongdoing, we can be assured of the following promises:
He will blot out all our sins—no matter how bad they are
The apostle John assures us that “If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV).
In fact, the Psalmist says that God is very merciful and pities us the way a father pities his child. When we make mistakes, He considers our frailty and vulnerability and remembers that we are made of dust. So He is “merciful and gracious.” And though our evil ways break His heart, He is still “slow to anger, and…will [not] keep His anger forever” (Psalm 103:8–9; Psalm 103:14, NKJV).
He invites us, saying, “Come now, and let us reason together,… though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18, NKJV).
He doesn’t treat us the way we deserve
Psalms 103:10 says that God doesn’t deal with us or punish us as our sins deserve.
Though we may feel very sinful and deserving of the worst, He looks at us with compassion. Even when the world around us may think we don’t deserve mercy, God remains gracious toward us and doesn’t handle us as we should be handled.
When He forgives us, He separates us from our sins
The Word of God says that when we ask for forgiveness, He forgives us and removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).
The prophet Micah marveled at this incomparable capacity that God has to pardon us:
“Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18–19, NKJV).
God sees us without our sins
And beyond forgiving us and separating us from our evil deeds, God says He will not remember them.
It’s not that God forgets our sins. After all, He knows everything. But his purpose in saying this is that He chooses to view us as though we had never committed that sin.
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25, NKJV).
“For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more” (Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12, NKJV).
Imagine that you’ve offended a friend, and when you sincerely apologize, the friend forgives you and never brings up that offense again. And they do it every time you make a mistake.
That’s how God relates to us when we ask for pardon.
Let’s see how we can experience this gift that God gives His beloved children.
How to receive forgiveness
While God’s forgiveness to us is a gift, and there’s nothing we could ever do to deserve it or “make” Him forgive us, here are some steps we can take to receive that gift and be assured that it is ours.
And we don’t have to do it alone! The Holy Spirit walks with us through the whole process.
1. Repent and confess your sins to Him and ask for His forgiveness
God doesn’t force us to let go of our sins and seek reconciliation with Him.
Instead, He tenderly draws us to Himself through His lovingkindness (Jeremiah 31:3).
And as we see His goodness in contrast to our evil ways, we feel sorry for our wrongdoing and sincerely long for a closer walk with Him. This is called repentance.
His Spirit convicts us of our sins and leads us to confess them. As we do so, God receives us and gives us the gift of forgiveness (Romans 2:4; John 16:8).
So while His forgiveness is always available for us, we must feel our need for it and ask for it to receive it.
2. Forgive those who have hurt you
In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus instructed His disciples to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12, CSB).
It’s not that we have to forgive others to earn God’s forgiveness. Rather, forgiving others shows that we have received His forgiveness. He said:
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14–15, NKJV).
And we should not just forgive once or twice, but as often as we are wronged (Matthew 18:21–22).
(Remember that forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean reconciliation, particularly with an abusive individual. Forgiveness is a way of allowing us to let go of bitterness and resentment toward another person while still maintaining healthy boundaries.)
As we receive God’s forgiveness, He asks us to extend that same mercy and grace to others. It’s one way we learn to be like Him as His children (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 2:3–11).
Now to the big question in your mind:
After you have asked for forgiveness, how do you know you are forgiven?
What if you don’t feel God has forgiven you?
Even when we don’t feel like our sins are forgiven, we can remind ourselves that our feelings don’t always tell us the truth. God has indeed promised to forgive us, and He doesn’t change, so we can rest our full weight on that.
But feelings of guilt can seem so real!
They may continue to linger in our minds even after we’ve prayed. We may still feel shame, regret, and, unfortunately, a sense of condemnation from those around us.
In Mark 9, a man brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus for healing. Jesus told him that all he needed was to believe in His power to heal his son.
But the man felt he didn’t know how to overcome his unbelief, despite his deep desire to believe in Jesus. Knowing that so much was at stake for his son, he cried out with this sincere prayer:
“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24, NKJV).
And his son was healed.
In the same way, we can come to God when our feelings conflict with our desire to believe in His saving grace.
And He encourages us, “Do not be afraid; only believe” (Mark 5:36, NKJV).
Even when we feel like we are drowning in unbelief, God’s Holy Spirit will help us trust His Word above our feelings when He says that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed “for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28, ESV).
Commenting on the story in Mark 9, Ellen White, one of the co-founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, writes:
“Many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Savior. Look not to self, but to Christ. He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men is the same mighty Redeemer today. Faith comes by the Word of God. Then grasp His promise, ‘Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out’ (John 6:37). Cast yourself at His feet with the cry, ‘Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.’ You can never perish while you do this—never.”1
Believe that your sins are forgiven. God loves you and has secured your salvation. And His promises of eternal life are possible for you.
Live like you’ve been forgiven
With the assurance of forgiveness, you can move forward and live as though you’ve received that gift.
Imagine one thing that you greatly desire but can’t afford. Then someone offers to buy it for you. They buy it, present it to you, and even leave it with you.
The gift is yours.
But if you don’t unpack it and begin enjoying it, then the whole process your friend has gone through to give it to you is useless.
All that’s left to do is accept the gift in a personal way and adjust your mindset and way of life to live as someone who owns the gift.
In the same way, our Lord Jesus has given us the gift of forgiveness at such a great cost. He left the glory of heaven and came to be our Savior from sin.
If you receive it, then you can begin to enjoy the blessings that come with knowing you are forgiven. The experience of peace and freedom is yours.
Forgiveness sets us free from condemnation
Photo by Brett Jordan
The blessing of knowing you are forgiven can best be described as an experience. And in both the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible, we find examples of individuals who experienced it.
Take David for example.
David was one of the greatest kings of Israel. God Himself referred to him as a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).
But at some point, he messed up—big time. He committed adultery with the wife of one of his faithful soldiers and tried to cover it up by ordering the soldier be murdered (2 Samuel 11).
Soon after, God rebuked him, and David realized the gravity of what he’d done. Overwhelmed with guilt, he went to God with tears of humility and prayed the prayer we find in Psalm 51.
When God forgave him, he described this experience in Psalm 32:
“How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How joyful is a person whom the Lord does not charge with iniquity and in whose spirit is no deceit!” (Psalm 32:1–2, CSB).
Forgiveness transformed him. He was relieved from the torment of sin and could experience the blessed peace of knowing he was forgiven (Psalm 32:3–5).
We may not have made the same mistakes as David, but the results of forgiveness are still the same: peace of mind and knowing in your heart that you are free from the condemnation of sin.
And Paul’s words will become true for you:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, NKJV).
Whenever Satan tries to harass you with feelings of guilt and shame, you can find refuge in these promises.
You can be grounded in the truth that in Christ, “we have…the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7, NKJV).
To learn more about Jesus’ gift of forgiveness and salvation,
Choose an Online Bible Study
Want to keep learning? Find out more about Jesus, humanity, the plan of salvation, and how God loves you enough to sacrifice everything, just to give you a chance to choose Him.
Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start, that’s why we offer free, user-friendly, online Bible study options you can do anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace.
This online Bible school will take you through the major themes of Scripture, breaking down the Bible’s complex concepts into bite-sized pieces, which can lead you toward the answers of life’s more challenging questions.
- White, Ellen G., Desire of Ages, (Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1898), p. 429. [↵]
Related Articles
More Answers
Can We Find Jesus Christ In the Old Testament?
Yes, you might be surprised to know that there are hundreds of verses in the Old Testament about Jesus.
What the Bible Says About Resolving Conflicts
While it’s the main ingredient in a good story, it unfortunately can spoil things in real life. It might start from minor differences of opinion. But unchecked, it can turn into what feels like a full-blown war.
The Benefits of A Seventh-day Adventist Academy
Adventist academies are high schools (grades 9-12) that are owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians?
Yes, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination formed in 1863. Just like other Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and seek to follow the principles of the Word of God.
Why are many Adventists Vegetarian?
While not every Adventist is vegetarian, many do avoid meat altogether in order to live a healthier life in efforts to honor God, physically, spiritually, and mentally.
Adventist Movies: Where Faith and Film Meet
The Adventist Church uses film to share our faith and uplift positive values. Learn more about specific Adventist-produced films and where to find them.
Does the Bible Teach Predestination?
your choices, actions, and habits really matter to your eternal destiny? Or is the path you choose in life predetermined, and your life is just following a script that’s been laid out for you?
The Seven Churches of Revelation and What They Mean
The seven churches were churches that received messages from Jesus Christ through the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. These letters are in chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation.
Do Adventists Celebrate Christmas?
In general, most Seventh-day Adventists do celebrate Christmas.
Since our denomination doesn’t have specific guidelines about holidays, it’s up to each member to decide whether to celebrate it based on their personal convictions and study of the Bible.
How Can I Know Ellen White’s Messages Were From God?
It’s natural to be a bit skeptical when you hear about someone being “divinely inspired,” or that something is a “message from God,” etc. And we expect nothing different if you’re hearing about Ellen White, an influential co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, for the first time. After all, the Bible tells us that we’re supposed to test these things!
Ellen G. White’s Time in Australia
Ellen White traveled to Australia in the later part of her life, and she ended up spending nine years there. In that time, she helped the Australian Seventh-day Adventist Church increase in size and strength.
Ellen G. White’s Time in Europe
When the Seventh-day Adventist Church was still young, a council of the church in Europe requested Ellen White, one of Adventism’s key leaders, to come to Europe. Despite the many obstacles, God led her there to help the new churches and members for two years.
Ellen G. White’s Travels and Worldwide Mission
Though Ellen White, a co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is best known for her ministry in the United States, she also traveled to twelve other countries in her lifetime—a big accomplishment in the 19th century when travel was strenuous and long.
Ellen G. White’s Counsel on College Education
Ellen G. (Harmon) White, a significant co-founder of Adventism, is often known for her practical and spiritual guidance for proper childhood education. But she was also significantly involved in the development of Seventh-day Adventist higher education.
8 Pieces of Advice from Ellen White’s Counsel for Families
In this article, we’ll look at the insight Ellen White received from God. We’ll cover 8 major themes she highlighted for families.
Was Everything Ellen White Said Divinely Inspired?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church believes that many of Ellen White’s messages were inspired by God. But that doesn’t mean everything she ever said was prophetic, or meant to be taken as direct instruction from God. So let’s break down how to identify the nature of her many written messages and quotes.
Who Were Ellen White’s Children?
Being the children of a woman with a prophetic calling from God had its blessings and its challenges.
In this overview, we’ll look at the highlights of the lives of Ellen White’s sons during her many years of ministry, as well as the ways each of them decided to serve Jesus Christ:
Ellen White’s Spiritual Counsel on Marriage
As one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ellen G. White was held in high regard. She was a prolific author and was heavily engaged in the mission of the denomination, prayerfully pursuing the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Sabbath Keeping: What It Looks Like in the Bible
That Sabbath would not be about a checklist of rules but about a mindset of rest. It’s a day to set aside daily cares and connect with God, our Creator. Out of our love for Him, we take the principles of the Bible and apply them in the way we keep the Sabbath.
Ellen G. White or the Bible—Which is More Important to Adventists?
Ellen G. White or the Bible—Which is More Important to Adventists?The Bible—without a shadow of a doubt—is the most important book. It’s the standard we use to test all other writings, including those of Ellen White. The Seventh-day Adventist Church believes that “the...
Are Any of Ellen G. White’s Prophecies Yet to Come True?
Ellen White, a co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, demonstrated many times over that she had the spiritual gift of prophecy. Some of her predictions’ timelines have already passed, and those prophecies have been fulfilled. Others have yet to be fulfilled.
What Was Ellen G. White’s Counsel on Music?
Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, also provided helpful guidance regarding music choices for Christians. She provided sound principles to answer questions the young Adventist Church had.
What Does the Bible Say About Modesty
Seventh-day Adventists and Christians in general try to ensure their outward presentation and lifestyle glorify God. This often involves daily habits like the ways we hold conversations, the ways we dress and accessorize, and the ways we regard other people when we’re out and about.
What Ellen White Said About Using the Bible in Education
Ellen White, one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, believed that education was not complete unless it was founded upon the principles of the Bible.
But what does the Bible have to do with math or science? Is it important to integrate the Bible with schoolwork?
What Were Ellen White’s Visions About the Adventist Church?
What Were Ellen White’s Visions About the Adventist Church?Led by the Holy Spirit, Ellen G. White was given many messages, counsel, revelations, and visions about the Bible, history, prophecy, and how we can apply biblical principles to our daily lives. She was also a...
Is it necessary to attend church to draw closer to Christ?
What Does the Bible Say About Going to Church?While you certainly don’t have to go to church to develop a relationship with Jesus, the Bible makes it clear that gathering together with other believers can be really beneficial for your spiritual growth. For the early...
How Do Adventists Make Movie and Music Choices?
How do Adventists decide what music to listen to and which movies to watch? Learn how Bible principles can help us make better entertainment choices.
Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Believe in Paying Tithe?
Seventh-day Adventists believe in paying tithe and offerings based on the biblical command and our commitment to being wise stewards of God’s resources. These donations help fund the mission of the Adventist Church by supporting pastors, missionaries, church expenses, and evangelistic projects, among other things.
How Does Jesus Christ Help Us Overcome Sin?
You might have heard the phrase somewhere about “gaining victory over sin” through “the power of Jesus Christ” or “through the blood of Jesus,” etc. But what does that mean exactly, and how does it all work…especially if we’re still having to live out our lives in a world that’s still full of sin?
Didn’t find your answer? Ask us!
We understand your concern of having questions but not knowing who to ask—we’ve felt it ourselves. When you’re ready to learn more about Adventists, send us a question! We know a thing or two about Adventists.