Does God Forget?
Scripture Reading — Jeremiah 31:31-34
"I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Jeremiah 31:34
"Will God accept me when I die?" A member of our congregation asked me this question shortly before she died. Her past was catching up with her, and she was afraid that God would refuse to have anything to do with her. All through her life she'd been taught that God forgives, but now that she'd reached the end of her life, she wasn't sure. Some Christians struggle with that question. They live in fear that because of their sins God won't be there for them. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God assures each one of us that he does far more than forgive: God even forgets our sins. God declares, "I will ... remember their sins no more." Through the covenant God has made with his people, God vows to forget our sins. He will not allow our sins to separate us from him. That's the good news throughout the Bible. Isaiah 1:18 says that even though our sins may be like scarlet, they will be as white as snow. And Romans 8:1 says, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." That's the reason we don't have to look back over our shoulders, afraid that our past will catch up with us. That's why we can be sure God will accept us when we stand before his judgment seat. God promises, for Jesus' sake, to remember our sins no more!
Lord, we thank you for your forgiveness and the promise that you will not hold our sins against us. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving your life to set us free. In your name, Amen
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!