Forgiveness. God’s Word reveals its beautiful truth. Let’s begin in the Old Testament.
There are two main words for forgiveness. Nasa is the first Hebrew word, meaning God taking up and carrying away our sin.
“Who is a God like you who pardons (nasa) sin and forgives the transgressions 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).
A beautiful picture of our Father. He carries our sin, bears the weight of our rebellion and He HURLS (I love that action) them into a place of eternal exoneration. AND, He delights to do it.
No begrudging pardons, but joyful remission.
The second Hebrew word is salah. It refers to God’s exclusive offer of pardon. It is unique to God. The word never refers to people forgiving each other. This is purely DIVINE action. God calls us to turn away from known sin and be pardoned.
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him…and He will freely pardon (salah)” (Isaiah 55:7). Again, I love the word “freely.” God’s desire is always for reconciliation to Him, through forgiveness.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the embodied forgiveness of God. He is nasa and salah combined.
“Who is He who even forgives sin?” (Luke 7:49).
Jesus, part of the eternal Godhead, bent low in Bethlehem, lived sinlessly, died in our place and removed our sins from His face.
As we repent, He forgives. He pardons and staggeringly, it is His delight.
Vickie Richey
~Christ Fellowship