Apostles' Creed

 

Article 10: The Forgiveness of Sins

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In Article 10 of the Apostles’ Creed, the Christian confesses, “[I believe in] the forgiveness of sins.” Though short, it is an article with extraordinary content. Much is said in few words. It appears as if this confession was taken directly from Psalm 130. In this Psalm, the question is asked, “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” (Psalm 130:3). The answer is, none. For we “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “There is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:10). All the world is guilty before God. However, then a confession of faith follows: “But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared” (Psalm 130:4). What a blessed confession this is! Here a statement is made regarding God that is of vital importance for each of us, namely, that there is forgiveness with God. God forgives! He forgives sin and iniquity. Psalm 130 declares, “With thee, there is forgiveness.” The Psalm speaks of forgiveness as being as consistent with God’s character as light belongs to the sun. It says, “forgiveness is with thee”—it belongs to God.