Our Sins Have Been Forgiven

Texas Roads

^“I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name” (1 John 2:12 NIV2011).

“Have been forgiven” is the perfect tense which is defined as “the progress of an action has been completed and the results of the action are continuing on, in full effect.” In this case our sins have been forgiven on the cross and the effect of that continues on in full effect. At the time John wrote this and on through today, it is still in effect. God has forgiven our sins, not because we deserved it, but because of grace.

Our sins are forgiven today and we can say the same thing tomorrow. Our sins are forgiven past, present, and future. Did you notice this verse some 14 verses after John talked about confessing sins? Was John mistaken? Is He confused about whether our sins or forgiven or we must still confess them? No, in this verse He’s taking to children of God. In verse 1:9 he is not taking to children, but to unbelievers. Our sins are forgiven. Let’s move on to confessing what God has already done for us.