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The Hebrew word means to literally rub out or erase — abolish, blot out, destroy, put out, reach unto, utterly, wipe (away, out). God is telling us that HE “blots” out completely our transgressions for HIS own sake. This verse should not be construed as God providing forgiveness when we do not repent because of the very next verse and the entire chapter context.

“Put ME in remembrance; let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted.” Isaiah 43:26

The principle of forgetting any transgression against us and “blotting” it out [of our mind] is very important to remember. By choosing to let God handle something that you are not fully equipped to handle, you will feel a great sense of relief. The Bible teaches, “Love covers a lot of sin.”

However, the lack of repentance and your desire to simply “forget about the incident” does not excuse you from your duty to God. It does not give you excuse to turn your back on evil. If a crime has been committed, it is your duty to report it to the appropriate authorities before you choose to “forget about the incident.” Some Christians choose the path of turning their back on evil because they don’t want to get involved. This only perpetuates evil and gives it credibility. A holy God who says: “State your case, that you may be acquitted” will not view turning your back lightly. I hope you can distinguish these subtleties and God’s need for us to “purge evil.”

Forgiveness is a very serious spiritual issue with God that cannot be ignored by Christians. I suspect it is also not fully appreciated by many Christians. If someone comes to you and repents, you must forgive him, her or them. You do not have an option here if you know your Bible. You must forgive or your FATHER in Heaven “may not forgive you.” Indeed, this is a very serious issue worthy of a more detailed discussion later. For now take a look at what Luke 17 says concerning forgiveness.

“Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”
Luke 17:3-4