Does the Bible say all of a believer's sins and trespasses are forgiven?
Scripture affirms that for those who believe, all sins and trespasses are forgiven. The sin debt is paid in full, and believers are totally forgiven; their sins are canceled and taken care of. Colossians 2 states that we are forgiven all of our sins and trespasses, so we will not face them at the judgment seat of Christ.
Les explains that the sin debt is paid in full by the atoning blood, but God cannot activate that payment until a person believes the Gospel. Once a person believes, they appropriate that forgiveness. For believers, they are totally forgiven. Les points to Colossians 3:13, where we are told to forbear and forgive one another even as Christ forgave us. He also notes another verse, like Colossians 2, that says we are forgiven all of our sins and trespasses. When we come before the bema seat, or the judgment seat of Christ, we will not have to face our sin because they are taken care of—they are forgiven and canceled.
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
More Questions
Why can believers claim the promise of being forgiven all trespasses?
Because Christ was God, believers can claim the promise of Colossians 2:13 that God has made them alive and forgiven them all their trespasses.