God forgives all our sins, even those we've forgotten (2024)

FAQs

Does God forgive forgotten sins? ›

Dear Rev. Graham: Whenever I ask God to forgive me, I try my best to think of everything I've done wrong so I can confess it. But what about the things I don't remember?

This seems to be the implication of verses like Isaiah 43:25: “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” Or Hebrews 8:12: “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

The Lord has said, “He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42).

You may have felt like your sins are too serious or that you have made the same mistake too many times. But no matter how much we have sinned, we can always repent and be forgiven. Some sins may be easier to correct than others, but Jesus Christ has provided for total forgiveness from all sins. He is eager to forgive.

How can God forgive us, even when we have committed the worst kinds of sin? The reason is simply because God loves us, despite our sin, and sent His Son into the world to make our salvation possible.

The Greek word in the New Testament for forgive (aphiēmi) means “to send away.” In Christ Jesus, God packed up our transgressions (which include unforgiveness) and permanently sent them away. In Psalm 103:12, God promises: “As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.”

Christian theologian Lewis Smedes wrote, “If you forget, you will not forgive at all.” In fact, one forgives most completely when one has first fully acknowledged the depth and extent of the offense. That can be a long, reflective process that may or may not include the offender's admission of wrong.

Jeremiah 31:34 says, “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” God doesn't just forgive. He chooses not to remember.

Repentance is therefore crucial for total forgiveness and restoration. The believer only receives God's forgiveness through repentance and faith. In a similar way, the abuser is only forgiven when there is genuine repentance.

One eternal or unforgivable sin (blasphemy against the Holy Spirit), also known as the sin unto death, is specified in several passages of the Synoptic Gospels, including Mark 3:28–29, Matthew 12:31–32, and Luke 12:10, as well as other New Testament passages including Hebrews 6:4–6, Hebrews 10:26–31, and 1 John 5:16.

How do you know if your sins are forgiven? ›

When asked those questions, I usually responded by saying, “If you feel the Spirit—when you pray, read the scriptures, teach, testify, or at any other time—then that is your witness that you have been forgiven or, alternatively, that the cleansing process is taking place, for the Spirit cannot dwell in an unholy ...

Repentance is always available, even if you've made the same mistake again. The Lord has said, “As often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me” (Mosiah 26:30). Be one of “His people,” and return to the Lord whenever you stray. Also, talk to your parents and your bishop.

While watching "bad things" is indeed sinful, it is important to recognize that God's grace is not limited by our mistakes. God's forgiveness is readily available to all who humbly repent and genuinely seek His mercy. God wants you to repent, so that He can forgive you.

There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: ¹⁷ haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, ¹⁸ a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, ¹⁹ a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Yes. If one through bad memory or nervousness forgets to confess a mortal sin, the person's confession is valid and all his or her sins will be forgiven. The person should, however, mention that forgotten sin in the next confession to receive advice and a proper penance.

He is there to forgive us for those sins we repent of and help us get back on the right path so we can live with Him again.

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIRV

“Forget the things that happened in the past. Do not keep on thinking about them. I am about to do something new. It is beginning to happen even now.

We receive forgiveness through faith and repentance. Jesus says, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15 ). Christians only receive forgiveness when they acknowledge their sin, repent, and put their faith and trust in Jesus.