Repent and be baptized . . .
“for the forgiveness of your sins.
—Acts 2:38
Bible scholar R.C.H. Lenski wrote: “In the entire Bible no sweeter word meets the sinner’s eye,” than the Greek word for forgiveness (aphesin).
The word means “sending away,” “remission,” “dismissal.” Lenski said that the sins are taken from the sinner and sent so far away that they will not be found on the day of judgment.
God will “cast all our sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19).
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Ps 103:12).
“I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Heb 8:12).
When we sin, we incur guilt. But guilt cannot exist where sin is absent. So, when our sins are “sent away,” so is our guilt.
Sin and guilt are a single piece: sin gone, guilt gone.
Breathe the refreshing air
of sins “sent away.”