Watch the video above and talk about it with a friend or mentor.

We can be assured that our sins are forgiven - past, present, and future - once we place our trust in Jesus, because he paid for those sins on the cross.

As humans, we want to make sure we know how to be forgiven of things we have done wrong toward God or others. But how assurance of forgiveness works in Mormonism can be quite different compared to biblical faith.

How forgiveness works in Mormonism

For many Latter-day Saints, forgiveness can seem impossible. In Mormonism, a process of repentance is required that involves never committing the sin again. In the repentance process, assurance of forgiveness is up to some priesthood authority. It isn’t enough to ask or even sense forgiveness from God; it must be mediated through a man.

[Related: Can You Really Be Forgiven?]

[Related: What Is True Repentance?]

How Forgiveness Works in the Bible

Forgiveness is between a person and God. Sin ultimately hurts and offends God. We’re not looking for forgiveness from people – unless we wronged someone. But in the end it is God’s forgiveness that counts. And God promises to forgive.

1 John 1:9 (ESV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We confess to God. He is faithful to forgive. There is no third party in between us and God telling us whether we are forgiven or not.

The Ultimate Basis of Forgiveness Is the Work of Christ

Forgiveness is based on just going through a ritual or praying a prayer to God. There has to be a basis for forgiveness. From God’s perspective, every sin demands payment. God is a just God. Someone has to pay the price for sin. In his love, Jesus paid for our sins to secure our forgiveness – past, present, and future – once we place our trust in him. When Jesus died on the cross, his last words were, “It is finished.” So do we need approval from human authorities to be forgiven? No. Jesus paid the price to reconcile us to a holy God. He already did everything required to secure forgiveness for us.

[Related: Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?]

[Related: How to Forgive Yourself]

As you move past Mormonism, remember that the ultimate price has been paid for our sins. That’s why we celebrate Jesus and the cross. What a great encouragement that God has forgiven us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

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Key Points:

  • How Forgiveness Works in Mormonism
  • How Forgiveness Works in the Bible
  • The Ultimate Basis of Forgiveness Is the Work of Christ

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Talk About It
  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
  3. How did you understand the process of repentance in Mormonism?
  4. Did you feel forgiven of your sins as a Latter-day Saint? Why or why not?
  5. Are there times when we must ask forgiveness of another human being? Explain.
  6. Read 1 John 1:9. What do you think “confess” means? How do you know if your confession is genuine?
  7. In what situations would it be helpful to confess a sin to another person? How so?
  8. On what basis can God forgive our sins without undermining his justice?
  9. Read John 19:28-30. What did Jesus mean when he said, “It is finished?”
  10. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.