Inquiry:
Does God forgive sins? 2 Chronicles 7:14, Jeremiah 31:34, and 1 John 1:9 says yes, but Joshua 24:19 says no. Is there a contradiction?
Response:
The three texts listed are a small sampling of verses in the Bible which reveal that God forgives sin. We will not give much attention to these texts, since the consistent message of the Bible is that God forgives our sins. We will focus on Joshua 24:19. Why does it say that “He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.”
It is always necessary to look at the context of a verse, for it will help us to understand why this or that was said. Joshua gave them a history of their journey from Egypt to the land of Canaan (Joshua 24:1-13), and then called them to serve the LORD. To do so, they would have to put away the false gods which they had adopted from their fathers (Joshua 24:14). He revealed what he had chosen for his family, they would serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).
It would be very helpful in some places to hear the tone of voice used when a person or group of people make a statement. The people affirm their devotion to God, seeming to say they would never choose to serve other gods (Joshua 24:16). It is following this statement that Joshua said they could not serve the LORD and that He would not forgive their sins. He went on to say, “If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt…” (Joshua 24:20).
Once more, the people say they will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:21). In response Joshua commanded them to put away the strange gods which were among them (Joshua 24:22-23).
They were affirming faithfulness to God, and at the same time still clinging to their false gods. They could not serve the LORD and He would not forgive their sins so long as they were in idolatry.
There is no contradiction.
Links: YouVersion | GROW magazine
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