The sacrifice of Christ on the cross and the forgiveness we receive for our sins are really two concepts that go together. The apostle Paul noted this when he wrote the following words to the Colossians: “In whom [Christ] we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14). The word redemption comes from the Greek word apolytrosin which means a release brought about by paying a price or ransom.[1] This is a reference to Christ’s suffering and death on the cross as a price paid or ransom for our sins which held us in bondage or separation from God. Christ’s suffering and death was a sacrifice, a divine and perfect sacrifice that was made for all those who would come to Him seeking forgiveness.

The word forgiveness in this verse comes from the Greek word aphesis which means to release or send away.[2] This refers to the sending away or releasing of our sins. Once God forgives us, He has released and sent our sins away. Our sins are no longer remembered by God. He does not harbor them or store them away somewhere. Our spiritual slates are wiped clean and God now sees us through the eyes of Jesus Christ. We have a clean, new start every time we confess our sins to God. It was necessary for us to first receive redemption if we are to receive forgiveness. The suffering and death of Christ on the cross was a prerequisite for us to receive God’s pardon for our sins. Only God, a perfect sacrifice, could die on the cross for sins and only God, a perfect and righteous judge, could release us from our sins; in effect, sending them away.

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[1] Spiros Zodhiates and Warren Baker, eds., Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible: Key Insights into God’s Word (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1996), 1591.

[2] Ibid., 1596.