For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalms 103:11-12
Every person on earth has things he/she wishes could be forgotten. We have all done things about which we have no desire to be reminded. Mostly, we are able to leave those things buried in the past, but occasionally, someone will dig up old bones and remind us of past failures. If you have ever experienced such, you know the pain and embarrassment this may bring. Sometimes, we bear the stripes of our past indiscretions to the grave. What would we give for a clean slate?
The good news Jesus brought to this sin-sick world is the opportunity to completely clear the record. Under the Old Covenant, there was a reminder of sin each year (Hebrews 10:3) because those animal sacrifices could not ultimately remove their guilt (Hebrews 10:4, 11). There was forgiveness in the Old Covenant (Leviticus 4:27-35; esp. 31, 35), but the removal of guilt was not exacted by the blood of the animals sacrificed (Hebrews 10:4), but by the blood of Jesus Christ. Galatians 4:4 says “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law…” Furthermore, in Hebrews 9:15 the author says explicitly that “…He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant…”
These passages prove the forgiveness granted under the Old Covenant was based on the sacrifice of “…the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). Flowing from this truth is the joy we have in knowing, unlike the constant reminder they had in their repetitious animal sacrifices, He does not remember our sins and lawless deeds anymore (Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12; 10:18). This knowledge should have a profound impact on our Christian lives. The discouragement that comes from being constantly reminded of yesterday’s folly is removed. We are empowered and emboldened to serve the Lord with a clear conscience (Hebrews 7:18-19; 9:9-14). Because we know He does not dwell on our past, we are able to approach Him to obtain the strength He alone can supply (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:19; 10:19-23).
To obtain this confidence, we must continually come to Him in the way He prescribes. This is biblical faith. The author clearly states only those who possess an obedient faith have assurance of this salvation (Heb. 5:9). When we read the statement “…unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Lk. 13:5), or “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19), we faithfully turn from our sins. Likewise, when we read the statement “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven” (Mt. 10:32), we faithfully own His magnificent name in the presence of all. And again, when we read the statement “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38), or “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16), we faithfully stop waiting, arise and submit to this simple act of faith. Finally, when we read the statement “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12), or “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10), we faithfully press on in His service even in the face of death. If we have this kind of faith, He will never remind us of our failed yesterdays. Is your record cleared?