When does God forget sin?
Scripture reading for May 22nd: Job 11-14
“Know this, God has even forgotten some of your sin.” Job 11:6b
“Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sin, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sin and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1st John 1:8-9
Job’s friend Zophar was frank in his accusation that Job needed to repent. He was certain that Job had sinned and that God was being merciful even in this harsh trial. He stated that God had probably forgotten some of Job’s sins or it might be worse! (Job 11:6) If Job would just repent of his sin, God would be merciful to him. (Job 11:14-15) Zophar could not get away from the common understanding of God’s justice that said trouble and suffering were a result of sin in a person’s life.
Job, however, knew of no specific sins and did not want to fake a repentance or manufacture some sin just to manipulate God or appease these friends. Job did know his need for God’s covering of his sins. He wrestled with how he could meet with God and what would happen after death. Finally, Job made a statement of faith concerning his own life and sins. It is in the form of a prayer discourse with God. (Job 14:13-17) Job asked God to hide him in the grave until His anger had passed and then “to set a time and remember me”. He asked that if a man died, would he live again? He stated that he expected to hear a call from God and to respond from the grave because God longed to have fellowship with the “creature He has made”. Job expected by faith that all his sins would be sealed in a bag, covered over and not remembered!
Jesus Christ came as the “mediator” and gave His life for our sins, promising to come again and remember us! He forgave our sins and remembers them no more! We will live with Him forever! This is available now to all who will repent and confess their sins to the Lord! (1st John 1:7-9)
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