Sin deserves God’s punishment (Genesis 2:17). Therefore, forgiveness of sin can only come from God. He initiates forgiveness (Colossians 2:13). But, 2 conditions are necessary for God to forgive sin. First, a life must be must be given as a substitute for the one who sinned (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22). And secondly, the person who has sinned needs to come to God in faith and with a repentant attitude.

Jesus took care of the first condition with His death on the cross (Colossians 1:14, Galatians 3:10-13). Anyone who trusts in Christ - believes that His death paid the price for our sins - is freed from the penalty (death) against the sinner. But, one stills needs to come to God with a repentant attitude.

God’s desire for us is that we not only confess our sins to Him, but that we repent of them. The Greek word repentance means, change of place or condition. It’s the abandonment of the course of action which defied God by doing what He dislikes or forbids. It shows a change of one’s mind or direction with the intent of never returning to the prior condition.

The Bible tells us that, “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 NIV). God does forgive, and we are to forgive as God has forgiven us (Matthew 18:22, Mark 11:25). . . not just forgive once or twice, but forgive others as many times as necessary.

Steps to Forgiveness:

1. In faith, accept Christ’s death on the cross as payment for your sins.
2. Go to God, agree with God that your sin is sin, genuinely desiring to not return to the same sin again.