Psalm 103:12 tells us that as far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our sins from us. Here, in Hebrews 10, the writer explains how the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus has accomplished this.

Early in the chapter, we are reminded that the sacrifices of the old covenant did not have the power to take away sins. The phrase ‘take away’ here is a word meaning ‘remove’ or ‘cut off’. It’s the same word used to describe what Peter did to the soldier’s ear at the time of Jesus’ arrest. God’s plan has always been to remove sin from his people as surely as if it had been cut off and thrown away.

In Jesus, this plan has been carried out. Unlike the Levites of the Old Testament, the risen Jesus can sit down because his work is finished and verse 18 promises us that God will remember our sins no longer.

Of course, God doesn’t have amnesia and he is not forgetful. He doesn’t remember forgiven sin because he chooses not to call it to his mind. It is cut away once and for all, not to be mentioned or brought up again. This is why Paul can write confidently to the Romans that, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1).

We may condemn ourselves and remember our past sins and even carry with us the shame and guilt of them, but God is not like that. As far as God is concerned, once we call on the name of Christ and turn to him in repentance, then forgiven sin is forgotten sin. This is a wonderful, underserved freedom that can only be found in Christ.

God has released us from the chains of sin and shame that tied us up. Let us walk in that freedom and rejoice!

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH