Sin, accepting forgiveness of

Sinners must respond to God's offer of forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.

The conviction of sin

Lamentations 1:20; John 16:8–9 See also 1 Kings 8:38–40; Isaiah 6:5; Ezekiel 33:10–11; Acts 16:29

See, O LORD, how distressed I am! I am churning within; my heart is pounding within me, for I have been most rebellious. Outside, the sword bereaves; inside, there is death.

And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me;

The inward response of faith

Acts 16:31 See also Mark 1:14–15; John 3:36, John 5:24; Acts 13:38–39, Acts 16:25–34; Romans 3:22–26, Romans 10:8–10; Ephesians 2:8

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.”

The outward response of baptism

Acts 22:16 See also Mark 1:4–5 parallels Matthew 3:1–6, Luke 3:2–6; Acts 2:38, Acts 8:36; Colossians 2:11–12; 1 Peter 3:21

And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name.’

Confession of sin

Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9 See also Leviticus 16:20–22, Leviticus 26:40–42; 2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 32:3–5; Lamentations 3:40; Luke 15:17–20; Acts 19:18

He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Repentance

Turning towards God

Acts 3:19 See also 2 Chronicles 6:36–39; Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:21; Matthew 3:1–2 parallels Mark 1:4, Luke 3:2; Acts 17:30; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9

Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,

Turning away from sin

John 8:11 See also Jeremiah 4:3–4; Luke 19:1–10; John 5:14; Romans 6:11–14; 1 Peter 2:11

“No one, Lord,” she answered. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.”

The making of restitution

Luke 19:8 See also Leviticus 6:1–7; Numbers 5:6–8; Proverbs 6:30–31; Ezekiel 33:12–16

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.”

The forgiveness of others

Luke 11:4 parallel Matthew 6:12 See also Matthew 6:14–15, Matthew 18:21–35; Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13

And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”