Guilt Gone, Sins Forgiven

There is a wonderful phrase in the poetry of Jeremiah that tells
us something of the character of God’s forgiveness:

“‘In those days, at that time,’  declares the Lord,  ‘search will be made for Israel’s guilt,  but there will be none,  and for the sins of Judah,  but none will be found,  for I will forgive the remnant I spare’” (Jeremiah
50:20).

Guilt and sins, regardless of how great and how many, cannot
be found even when searched for, when God forgives. Zechariah said of his son
John the Baptist in Luke 1:76-77, “And you, my child,
will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before
the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people
the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.” Sins gone, guilt
gone, and a knowledge of salvation, all through the forgiveness of sins.

Written September 1989.

This post coordinates with today’s reading in the To
the Word! Bible Reading Challenge. If you are not in a daily reading plan,
please join us at TotheWord.com. We would love to have you reading with us.