Though it is often difficult to harmonize one text of scripture with another, which seems diametrically opposed, it is not impossible. We know there is no contradiction in scripture. For example, Hebrews 8:12, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness; and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” As opposed to II Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, whether it be good or bad.” Romans 14:12, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Acts 3:19, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (See also Isaiah 38:17, 43:25, 44:21-22). It is my desire not to be guilty to “Darken counsel by words without knowledge,” and I confess that my word is not final on the thought context of these passages; but let me lend you my understanding of what appears difficult to reconcile. As to those text which speak to the blotting out, forgetting, and remembering no more the sins of the believer, I believe all fall into the context of the believer’s state in justification. Whatever II Corinthians 5:10 and Romans 14:12 and Matthew 7:19 mean it does not weaken what scripture teaches on the free, unalterable nature of the believer’s state of justification. Mr. Gill defines the doctrine of justification by the righteousness of Christ, distinguishing between justification and the pardon of sin. He sees a strict connection between them and says they are not to be separated: justification is pronouncing a person righteous according to law, as though he had never sinned. The reason my sins cannot be found is that Christ washed them away in His atoning blood. In His satisfaction I am found complete in Him. Because of His complete and perfect atonement for my sins I have a complete and perfect righteousness charged to my account. My sins have been so effectually removed by the imputation of them to Christ; it is like something cast into the sea, never to be recovered, never to be found, lost forever. In light of this how can it be said that we as believers shall stand before the judgment bar of God? It is my understanding that the believer’s presence at the final judgment is for the purpose of public acquittal. In that day as I stand before all my accusers Christ the Judge will publicly declare my righteousness in Him. In that day, as He publicly owns me, every mouth of both devils and men will be silenced. OH HAPPY DAY, WHEN JESUS WASHED MY SINS AWAY! It makes that day of final judgment bearable. ~~Terry Worthan, 1938-2022
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