156. Forgiveness of sins
Acts 26:18d That they may receive forgiveness of sins….
The fourth promise of the preaching of the Gospel is the forgiveness of sins given to those who will receive it. Forgiveness of sins is available to every person in the world; forgiveness of sins is earned by Jesus Christ since He paid the full price for all sins. However, forgiveness of sins is not actuated and effective until it is received; forgiveness of sins is not received until it is proclaimed, announced or spoken to a person.
The promise is for all, but the promise is not received unless it is believed. The promise cannot be believed unless it is heard; it cannot be heard unless it is preached; and finally, it will not be preached unless someone is sent. (In this context, Jesus sent Paul.) God Himself is the originator of forgiveness and salvation, and He is the finisher; He begins the chain (sending) and ends the chain (saves). God does the Gospel, all of it, from the idea germinating in the heart of God to the actuation in the heart of the believer.The person forgiven and saved by the Gospel has nothing to do; we do not do the Gospel; we receive it.
We receive the forgiveness of sins; we believe the Gospel; and it is the Holy Spirit who gives the desire and ability to believe and receive. We do not do the Gospel; we do not forgive ourselves. Repentance and forgiveness of sins is preached to all nations, and with the preaching God saves. God makes forgiveness effective and active.
By the way, all who receive forgiveness also give it out. Humans, without divine help, have a hard time forgiving, but receivers more easily turn into givers. Forgiveness of one another is the grease and oil that smoothens relationships and keeps social and family relationships operating. But that does not happen until the promise of forgiveness is received, then given and shared. This promise undergirds human life.