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 every one may receive the things done in his body, …whether it be good or bad. (Other texts in context of thought—Romans 14:12; Matthew 7:19; Isaiah 38:17, 43:25, 44:21-22; Acts 3:19). 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 texts that 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. You may ask, “Pastor Worthan what is justification?” You’re not the first to ask this, it’s an age-old question. Let’s take the first part of the word, “just”. Job 9:2 asks, “HOW shall man be just with God?” This is a question of infinite importance. Think of the term justification referring to the proceedings in a court and signifying the declaring of a person being right according to the law. This does not make the person righteous by his good habits, or by a change from bad to good (sin to holiness); but the act of a judge pronouncing the party acquitted from all judicial charges. It is a change of state in the eye of the law and includes pardon. The Law pardons his acts of wrongdoing; the judge has pronounced him not guilty before his accusers in a public court. His charge is not found in the books of law to be charged against him, never to be brought to judgment again, even though people go away exclaiming his guilt. The same is applied in the justification of God toward man. 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 a thing cast into the sea never to be recovered, never to be found, lost forever. Men may charge me guilty, but God doesn’t. In light of this how can it be said that we 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 his 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 the day of final judgment bearable.
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