God’s Complete Salvation: refs. include Watchman Nee and Witness Lee

The two aspects of God’s complete salvation

The five items of the judicial redemption

Forgiveness of sins

Key verse: Romans 4:7
“Blessed are they whose lawlessnesses have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered over”

The forgiveness of sins is based on the redemption of Christ accomplished once for all through His death (Acts 10:43; Eph. 1:7; 1 Cor. 15:3). It is the initial and foundational blessing of God’s complete salvation.

The significance of forgiveness of sins

First, forgiveness of sins means that our record of sin before God is actually eliminated, so that we may be spared the penalty of God’s righteousness (John 3:18). Second, when God forgives us our sins, He also causes the sins which we have committed to depart from us (Psa. 103:12). Third, once God forgives us, He erases our sins from His memory and will by no means remember them anymore (Heb. 8:12).

The basis for forgiveness of sins

God’s forgiveness of sins has always been based on the shedding of blood for redemption (Heb. 9:22). Because He is righteous, God cannot forgive men’s sins without just cause. In fact, His righteousness requires that all who sin must die (Ezek. 18:4). But because the Lord Jesus has died and shed His blood on the cross on our behalf, thus satisfying God’s righteous requirement, God can legally forgive men of their sins according to His righteousness.

The way to receive forgiveness of sins

There are two steps sinners must take in order to receive God’s forgiveness. First, a sinner must repent unto God; that is, have a change of mind from everything else to God (Luke 24:47). Second, a sinner must believe into Christ (Acts 10:43). This step spontaneously follows repentance.

The results of forgiveness of sins

First, God’s forgiveness of sins causes us to fear Him (Psa. 130:4). The more we enjoy God’s forgiveness of sins, the more we experience a healthy, safeguarding fear of displeasing Him. Second, our being forgiven by the Lord issues in our loving Him (Luke 7:47). The more we are forgiven by the Lord, the more we love Him.

Forgiveness of sins | Washing away of sins
Justification by God | Reconciliation to God
Positional sanctification