Several weeks ago, we defined forgiveness as the release from a debt owed due to a hurt caused by one person to another. This definition could lead us to believe that there is no need for atonement for that hurt – but that would violate the concept of justice.
Justice means “to give to each person what is due to them.” It requires that the person who caused hurt performs some action or makes some sacrifice to atone for it. Each sin committed by humans is an infinite offense against God. Therefore, no human can make up for it, since no human is infinite.
So how is justice achieved?
God alone could take care of it. St. Paul tells us that the penalty for sin is death, and so humans deserve death and a permanent separation from God. To avoid this, Jesus, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, took on a human nature and became like us in all things, except sin.
Despite His sinlessness, Jesus endured being falsely accused, tried, and found guilty. He was whipped, mocked, and crucified, a brutal form of capital punishment. After hanging for three hours on the cross, He died and was buried. Through this humiliating death and shedding His blood, Jesus paid the price for all human sins of all time. His sacrifice was the infinite offering that could provide justice to God.
We know that this is not the end of the story. On Sunday morning, the disciples found the tomb empty and were told that their Lord had been raised from the dead. They encountered Him later that day, and the resurrection of Jesus became the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
No human can totally avoid sin. But we can be assured that the blood of Christ has provided the remedy for all sin.
As we reflect today, may we have gratitude for the gift of forgiveness provided by Jesus.
