“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalm 86:5).

The doctrine that sets Christianity apart from all other religions and cults is that of a basis for forgiveness of sins which is still in keeping with God’s holy and just nature. Each of us sins and offends God’s holy nature. His justice demands that sin’s penalty be paid, either by the sinner himself, or a sinless substitute. In Christianity this was accomplished as God the Son, the sinless Lamb of God, died to pay our penalty, making forgiveness and restoration possible. No work of our own can be involved, it must be simply believed and claimed by faith. Such a theme dominates the old hymn, “All My Sins Have Been Forgiven,” and we shall use its verses to remind us of these truths.

All my sins have been forgiven; God is merciful to me;Faith has claimed the Savior’s promise, Grace and pardon, full and free; O my soul, be ever praising, For the great Redeemer’s love; Joyous songs to Him be raising, Unto God in heaven above.

Our Savior has promised “I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12). The promised mercy is desperately needed, for “the Scripture hath concluded all under sin,” thankfully, “the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe” (Galatians 3:22). This pardon is absolutely complete. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). This removal of our sin exceeds forgiveness, it is full “redemption through His blood” (Ephesians 1:7). It is also absolutely free, for “by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life” (Romans 5:18). Throughout eternity we will sing “a new song . . . for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood” (Revelation 5:9). JDM