Catechism Question 28
Does Jesus’ work as Redeemer mean that all of our sins can be forgiven?
Yes, through the redeeming work of Jesus, we may be reconciled to God, having all of our sins forgiven and having the righteousness of Christ credited to us.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we show the effectiveness of the redeeming work of Jesus for humanity. Through Christ’s Person and work our sins may be forgiven and the righteousness of Christ may be credited to us so that we are received by God.
Note that we see a twofold aspect of the work of Christ. First, he removes our sin. Second, He credits righteousness to our account. Regarding this second aspect, notice that it does not say Jesus makes us righteous, but that His righteousness is credited (or ‘imputed’) to our account. We do not become inherently righteous; His righteousness is given to us.
It is important to note the word ‘may’ in the first part of the answer. The work of Christ does not guarantee forgiveness of the sins of all human beings. As we will see in a future question, His Redeeming work is only effective for His people who are united to Him in faith. However, at this point, it is critical to note that all of our sins, no matter how great, are forgiven through the redemptive work of Christ.
Additional Questions:
Can all of our sins be forgiven because of Jesus?
Did Jesus’ work open the way for us to be reconciled to God?
Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 5:18–19, 21
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them…. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Romans 4:4–5
Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.
John 5:24
I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Is there any sin so awful that it can not be forgiven because of the work of Christ?
Why is it important to know that Jesus’ redeeming work not only removed my sins but also credited his righteousness to my account?
What is the difference between saying that the righteousness of Christ is credited (or imputed) to me, and saying that Jesus makes me righteous?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 25 of the New City Catechism.
For additional information, see the teachings “Our Great Redemption In Christ” (March 26, 2006); “The Great Exchange” (April 1, 2012).
Suggested Worship Song:
Nothing But the Blood (Robert Lowry, 1876)
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
(Refrain):
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.