Knowledge of Forgiveness.
The knowledge of forgiveness is regarded by many as one of the most exalted and remote attainments of religious experience. Not clearly understanding the divine method of forgiveness, and hindered by what they consider to be a becoming humility, they say, Such a state can never be ours in this life. It is high; we cannot attain unto it. But did they rightly understand salvation by a suretyship, as revealed from heaven, they would perceive, that pardon is not directly a matter of religious experience, but of religious faith. Pardon is not a state to which the believer raises himself by a long and holy course—it is an act of God’s free mercy and grace in Christ Jesus. A full and free forgiveness is granted unto us the moment that we believe in Jesus. Even the "little children," to whom St. John writes in his first epistle, enjoyed this blessing from the commencement of their Christian course. All other Christians are equally welcome with these youthful believers to the immediate enjoyment of this privilege. Understand, then, O Christian, the gospel of suretyship clearly, that thou mayest give thanks joyfully. If thou hast confessed thy transgressions over thy Saviour’s head, if thou art thus daily laying there every sin that rises on thy conscience, then by all that is true and faithful in the promises of God, be entreated to believe with an undoubting mind, that they are all forgiven thee in Christ.