Justification and forgiveness.

Ephesians 1:7-8 KJV

[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

[8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Romans 3:23-24 KJV

[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

[24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Justify means

2a. to judge, regard, or treat as righteous and worthy of salvation

MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICIONARY. 2025.

If God declares saved people righteous (by imputing to them Jesus’ righteousness (1 Corinthians 1.30)), what is there to forgive?

A person forgiven is still a guilty person. God forgives and then does way more, by removing all guilt, as though they never sinned and never will. He does this because His grace abounds toward His children. Grace upon grace, because He loves His family so much.