Forgiveness, Forgetting, and Blotting Out of Sins Explained

The differences between the forgiveness, forgetting, and blotting out of sins are found in their timing and nature within the plan of salvation, moving from a current experience of grace to a final removal of the record. 🌟

The Forgiveness of Sins

Forgiveness is the immediate result of repentance and faith in Jesus ChristEVRR118. When a person surrenders to Christ, God current-tense blots out the guilt of their transgressions for His own sake Isaiah 43:25EVRR118. This justification releases the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the lawCCh 348.1. However, while the guilt is removed and the sinner is reconciled to God, the blood of Christ does not yet cancel the sin from the heavenly record; the sin remains in the sanctuary until the final atonement Romans 5:9-11CCh 348.1+1.

The Art of Forgetting Sins

Forgetting sin involves a transformation of the human mind and natureARSH September 30, 1902, page 8.10. It is a spiritual duty to learn the art of forgetfulness regarding past errors to make advancement in the Christian lifeSITI February 23, 1891, page 50.13.

• A New Nature: As the worshiper is actually purged by the blood of Christ, the "way of sin" is gone from them, and they no longer think of doing it Hebrews 10:14ARSH September 30, 1902, page 8.10.

• Divine Forgetfulness: God promises that under the new covenant, He will be merciful to unrighteousness and will remember sins and iniquities no more Hebrews 8:12SOTC 39.1.

• Human Experience: While a person may recall the fact of a past sin, they forget the sin itself in the sense that it becomes foreign to their new natureARSH September 30, 1902, page 8.10.

The Blotting Out of Sins

The blotting out of sins is a specific, future event associated with the closing work of Christ's ministry in the heavenly sanctuaryGC88 485.2+2.

• Investigative Judgment: This work began in 1844 at the end of the 2,300 days and must be accomplished before the Second Advent Daniel 8:14GC88 485.2+1.

• Literal Erasing of the Record: It is the "spiritual" blotting out of the record during the pre-advent judgmentEVRR118+1. Unlike initial forgiveness, this act makes an end of the record of transgressions foreverJEO 20.4+1.

• Qualitative Change: As Christ's forgiveness is qualitative rather than quantitative, He forgives sin (the nature) rather than just sins (the numbers)LTJMB4 43.1. This final blotting out is the cleansing of the sanctuary, where sin is removed from the believer's character and the heavenly books simultaneouslyHF 300.1+1.

• The Times of Refreshing: This final erasure occurs when the "times of refreshing" come from the presence of the Lord, signaling the close of probation and the return of Jesus Acts 3:19-20RH June 8, 1911, par. 9+1.

Summary Table of Differences

Feature	Forgiveness	Forgetting	Blotting Out
Timing	At the point of conversionEVRR118.	Ongoing spiritual growthSITI February 23, 1891, page 50.13.	During the investigative judgmentGC88 485.2.
Location	The heart/conscience of manCE 128.1.	The mind and natureARSH September 30, 1902, page 8.10.	The books of record in heavenHF 300.1+1.
Result	Removal of guilt and condemnationCCh 348.1.	No more "conscience of sin"ARSH September 30, 1902, page 8.10.	Total effacing of the recordLTJMB4 43.1+1.

Ultimately, he who has experienced the sunshine of Christ's love in forgiveness will follow in His footsteps until every dark blot is effaced by His bloodLTJMB4 43.1+2. 🙏✨

Yes, it is a solemn truth that sins which have been forgiven can still remain on the record and may ultimately be retained if a person does not remain faithful until the endGP 60.4+1. While God offers full pardon to every repentant soul, the final removal of those sins from the heavenly books depends upon one's continued walk with HimGP 60.4+1.

The Condition of Forgiven Sins

When you repent, your sins are pardoned, but they are not immediately blotted out of the books of recordGP 60.4+1.

• Records are Retained: Even after a person receives pardon and acceptance with the Father, their sins remain upon the books of record in the heavenly sanctuary until the final work of atonementGC 421.2+1.

• A Conditional Pardon: Forgiveness is granted on the condition of continued repentance and faithSOSL 95.2+1. If a righteous man turns away from God and commits iniquity, his previous righteousness will not be remembered, and he is held accountable for his sins as if he had never repented Ezekiel 18:24GP 60.4.

• The Return of Guilt: When a person denies their repentance by returning to a life of sin, they are placed in the same condition as before they were forgiven, and their sins stand against them once moreGP 60.4+1.

When Sins are Not Blotted Out

The investigative judgment determines whose sins will be blotted out and whose names will be removed from the book of lifeST August 6, 1885, par. 17+1.

• Unrepented Sins: If it appears in the judgment that wicked deeds have not been fully repented of, those sins are not blotted out; instead, the person's name is blotted out of the book of lifeST August 6, 1885, par. 17+1.

• The Final Decision: Those who are found in a state of lukewarmness or who have not overcome their defects will have their sins retained to appear against them in the judgmentSYNPT 196.3+1.

• The Result of Neglect: If we fail to maintain a Christian life to the end, the recorded sins are not blotted out, and we are not entitled to everlasting lifeLUJ 222-223.1+1.

The Role of the Judgment

The cleansing of the sanctuary is the specific process where the record is finally cleared for the faithful4SP 266.1+1.

• Examination of Records: The books are opened to determine who is entitled to the benefits of the atonement4SP 266.1+1.

• Acquittal or Condemnation: For the overcomer, Jesus confesses their name, and their sins are blotted outST August 6, 1885, par. 17+1. For those who have slighted His mercy, their sins remain as a "shameful record of duties neglected and privileges unimproved"3T 408.1+1.

• Total Effacing: Only for those who are found righteous in the judgment are the sins "blotted out, and remembered no more" Hebrews 8:12ARSH October 17, 1865, page 156.1.

"The Lord shall judge his people" Deuteronomy 32:36. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life" Revelation 3:5. It is our privilege to ensure that our sins go "beforehand to judgment" so they may be blotted out when the times of refreshing come 1 Timothy 5:242SAT 24.1. 🌿✨

I will happily craft a sermon and a sermon outline to help explain the concepts of forgiveness, forgetting, and blotting out of sins in a way that is understandable for children.

The Great Cleaning of the Heart 🧹✨

Hello, dear children! Did you know that God has a wonderful plan to make us completely clean and happyGW 115.3+1? Today, we are going to learn about three special words: Forgiveness, Forgetting, and Blotting Out. These are like three steps in God's big project to get rid of sin foreverSOSL 95.1+1.

🏫 The Story of the Messy Chalkboard

Imagine a little boy named James who was in school2SG 116.1. One day, James was frustrated and drew a very mean picture of his friend on the classroom chalkboardCE 89.1. As soon as he finished, he felt a "sadness upon his spirits" because he knew he had done something wrongAY 67.1+1.

James went to his teacher with "deep feeling" and said, "I am so sorry for drawing that mean picture. Will you please forgive me?"LS80 260.2+1. The teacher looked at James with "mercy and truth" and said, "Yes, James, I forgive you" Psalms 89:14PP 34.2.

Even though the teacher forgave him, the mean drawing was still there on the board for everyone to seeGC 421.2. To truly fix it, James had to go back and erase the drawing so it was blotted out and the board was clean againFP1889 149.1+1. Then, James and his friend decided to play a new game and never talk about that mean drawing again—they forgot it because they loved each otherCT 53.3+1.

---

1. Forgiveness: The Hug from Jesus 🤗

Forgiveness is the very first thing that happens when we tell God we are sorrySOSL 95.1+1.

• A Free Gift: Just like a king who moves with "compassion" to forgive a huge debt, Jesus offers us "blood-bought pardon" because He loves us Psalms 130:7COL 244.3.

• Feeling Sorry: We receive this when we "repent" and realize that our sins made Jesus sufferAY 67.1+1.

• The Happy Result: When we are forgiven, it feels like "health sprang up" and "happiness followed"GW 115.3+1.

• Bible Truth: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins" 1 John 1:91888 575.2.

2. Forgetting: Choosing a New Way 🚶‍♂️

Forgetting sins doesn't mean God has a bad memory; it means He chooses to "remember them no more" because we have changedSOSL 95.1+1.

• A Clean Heart: When God writes His law in our hearts, we start to love doing what is right Hebrews 8:10SOSL 95.1.

• New Thoughts: Instead of thinking about our old mistakes, we talk about "God's mercy" and "His marvelous light"RH September 20, 1892, par. 15.

• Growing Up: As we eat the "bread of life," we grow up to be like Jesus, and our old, mean ways are left behind5BC 1135.7+1.

• Bible Truth: "Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more" Hebrews 8:12SOTC 39.1.

3. Blotting Out: The Big Eraser in Heaven ☁️

This is the most "solemn" part of Jesus’ work for us in the "heavenly sanctuary"GC 421.2+1.

• The Record Books: Right now, an "unerring register" or book is kept in heaven of everything we doST January 6, 1890, par. 7+1.

• Erasing Forever: Even after we are forgiven, the "record of sin" stays in the book until the very endGC 421.2. Blotting out is when Jesus, our "High Priest," uses His blood to permanently erase those sins so they are gone foreverGC 421.2+2.

• A Special Time: Jesus is doing this work right now in the "Most Holy place"EW 251.1+2.

• Bible Truth: "Repent you therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" Acts 3:19ARSH May 30, 1865, page 203.17+1.

---

🏁 What Are You Going to Do?

Children, Jesus is our "Advocate" in heaven, and He is "waiting to be gracious" to youPH130 30.1+1. He wants to forgive you, help you forget your old ways, and one day blot out every mistake you've ever madeSOSL 95.1+1.

Don't wait until you are older; you are "none of you too young" to come to HimAY 67.1+1. Our sins caused Jesus to die, but His "precious flowing blood" can make you "white" and "pure"AERS 330.1+1.

My Appeal to You:

Will you ask Jesus to "control your will and actions" todayAY 67.1+1? Will you "confess your sins" so they can go "beforehand to judgment" and be erased forever3MR 197.3+2? Come to the "throne of grace" right now to find "mercy and grace to help in time of need" Hebrews 4:16YI September 1, 1898, par. 3. Let us pray and ask Jesus to make our hearts a "green spot in the desert"LS80 260.2+1.

Here is the sermon outline:

The Great Cleaning of the Heart

Introduction

• The Big Project: God has a plan to make children completely clean and happy.
• The Three Key Words: Forgiveness, Forgetting, and Blotting Out.
• Object Lesson: The Story of the Messy Chalkboard.
  • James draws a mean picture (sin).
  • He asks for forgiveness (pardon).
  • The drawing is erased (blotting out).
  • Friends move on and don't talk about it again (forgetting).

1. Forgiveness: The Hug from Jesus

• A Free Gift: Offered through Jesus' love and sacrifice.
• The Condition: We must repent (feel sorry) and confess our sins.
• The Result: A feeling of happiness and spiritual health.
• Bible Truth: 1 John 1:9 – God is faithful to forgive those who confess.

2. Forgetting: Choosing a New Way

• A Divine Choice: God chooses to "remember them no more" as we change our lives.
• A Clean Heart: God writes His law in our hearts, making us love what is right.
• Focusing on Light: Instead of dwelling on old mistakes, we focus on God’s mercy.
• Bible Truth: Hebrews 8:12 – God promises not to remember our iniquities.

3. Blotting Out: The Big Eraser in Heaven

• The Record Books: A "register" in heaven tracks all our actions.
• The High Priest's Work: Even after forgiveness, the record remains until Jesus permanently erases it with His blood.
• The Current Work: Jesus is performing this special work right now in the Heavenly Sanctuary.
• Bible Truth: Acts 3:19 – Repent and be converted so sins may be blotted out.

Conclusion & Appeal

• Jesus is Waiting: He is our Advocate and is never too busy for children.
• Call to Action:
  • Don't wait until you are older to come to Him.
  • Ask Jesus to control your will and actions today.
  • Confess your sins now so they can be erased forever.
• Closing Prayer: Asking Jesus to make our hearts pure and "green."