How can God really forgive us completely and act as if we had never sinned? I know you'll probably say that's what He does, but wouldn't this mean He doesn't take sin very seriously and just acts as if it isn't important? — R.N.N.

No, this is not what God's forgiveness means. God takes sin extremely seriously, far more seriously, in fact, than we ever will.

Why do I say this? God takes sin so seriously that it was necessary for His only son to come into the world to die for our sins. If God didn't take sin seriously, then Jesus Christ would never have had to die on the cross. But sin is so serious and so devastating that it could be erased in only one way: if God's own son would become the sacrifice for our sins. And that is what He did! The Bible says, "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

You see, on the cross, all our sins were transferred to Christ. He was without sin, but when our sins were placed on Him, He took the judgment you and I deserve. And because of this, we can be free of our sins, and free from God's judgment. The Bible says, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Yes, God offers us the gift of forgiveness but like any other gift, it must be received. Have you received this gift into your life? You can, by turning to Christ and trusting Him alone for your salvation. Open your heart to Him today.