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QUESTION 39:
When a person is saved their sins are forgiven; what happens if they sin after that? Will they be judged for them on Judgement Day?

ANSWER:
There are two aspects to the judgment of God of the sins of believers; they are both mentioned in 1 John 1:9 and 1 John 2:12. "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His namesake."

The word for "little children" means, "born ones" that is, newly born again ones. Their sins are all forgiven for His names sake. This is because the just judgment of God has been measured out to Christ when He died for their sins on the cross. This is too often known as judicial, or legal forgiveness. It means that all the sins past, present and future sins of the believer will never be brought to judgment again, they have been "put away" Hebrews 9:26. 'Forgiven" means that all charges have been dismissed, dropped and the believing sinner has been acquitted; never will they be brought into future judgment for what God has already dealt with at Calvary. He remembers them (sins) no more. Hebrews 10:17.

The second aspect of forgiveness is in 1 John 1:9 where we read, "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive.." Here the "we" are believers, and it has to do with sins that were committed after they were saved. This is known as "governmental forgiveness." Since God has no future judgment for the sins of those who are saved, He will deal with them now, unless they are confessed and forsaken. Proverbs 28:13.

In 1 Corinthians 11:31-32, "if we would judge ourselves, (that is, confess and forsake our sins) we should not be judged," but, when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world." He that believeth on Him is not condemned..." John 3:18,

Are you a true believer in Christ who loved you and died for you? Are you trusting Him fully?

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen