What Is Forgiveness in the Bible?
In the Bible, forgiveness is the act of pardoning an offender. The Greek word often used for forgiveness, aphesis, means a release or letting go. Jesus taught His followers to forgive seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22), showing that forgiveness is limitless. It is not simply forgetting or excusing wrongdoing, but rather a deliberate decision to let go of resentment and extend grace—just as God does for us.
How God Forgives Us
God’s forgiveness is rooted in His love and justice. Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, our sins are not only covered but fully removed (Psalm 103:12). 1 John 1:9 reminds us that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” His forgiveness is a gift, offered freely but at great cost—Christ’s blood shed for the remission of sins.
Why These Kinds of Hymns Matter
Hymns about forgiveness not only remind us of the grace we’ve received, but they also help soften our hearts to forgive others. They guide us in prayerful reflection, in repentance, and in worship. Whether you’re burdened by guilt, hurt by others, or simply longing to be near the heart of God, these hymns can be a balm to the soul.
Now let’s begin the list of hymns. Here are a few to get started, and I can continue with more once you're happy with the tone:
1. Jesus Paid It All
Written by Elvina M. Hall in 1865 while sitting in the choir loft during a sermon. The words flowed from a heart overwhelmed by Christ’s sacrifice. The church organist, John T. Grape, had composed a new tune just days earlier—it fit perfectly.
This hymn reminds us that we can never repay what Christ did for us—He paid the full price. “All to Him I owe.” Our debt is gone, and we now live in grateful surrender.
2. There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood
William Cowper wrote this in the 18th century after a long struggle with depression and guilt. The hymn reflects his deep understanding of the cleansing power of Christ’s blood.
“And sinners plunged beneath that flood, lose all their guilty stains.” What a powerful image of forgiveness—complete and total cleansing. God’s mercy runs deeper than any stain.
3. Amazing Grace
John Newton, a former slave trader turned preacher, penned this hymn in 1772 as a testimony of God’s mercy in his own life. It has become one of the most recognized songs of redemption.
Grace is the undeserved favor of God. This hymn reminds us that no one is too far gone for God's forgiveness. "I once was lost, but now am found."
4. Just As I Am
Charlotte Elliott wrote this hymn in 1835 after feeling unworthy of God's love. Encouraged by a minister’s words that she could come to Christ just as she was, she penned this heartfelt expression of surrender.
Forgiveness doesn’t require us to “fix” ourselves first. We come broken, and He restores. “Just as I am, without one plea…” is the call of grace to every soul.
5. Rock of Ages
Augustus Toplady composed this hymn in 1776 while caught in a storm and finding shelter in a rock crevice. That experience inspired a metaphor for Christ as our eternal refuge.
“Be of sin the double cure—save from wrath and make me pure.” Christ not only forgives our sin but transforms us. He is the rock that holds us steady through judgment and mercy.
6. Nothing But the Blood
Written by Robert Lowry in 1876, this hymn emphasized the centrality of Christ's blood in salvation at a time when liberal theology was beginning to minimize it.
This simple yet profound question—“What can wash away my sin?”—has only one answer: “Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” It centers our hope solely in the cross.
7. At Calvary
William R. Newell, a pastor and Bible teacher, wrote the lyrics in 1895 and handed them to his friend Daniel Towner, who composed the tune.
“Mercy there was great, and grace was free…” The cross is where justice and mercy meet. Forgiveness is not cheap—it cost the Son of God His life.
8. Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
Joseph Hart, once a skeptic of Christianity, wrote this hymn after a dramatic conversion in the 18th century.
This hymn is a call to the broken. “If you tarry till you’re better, you will never come at all.” Forgiveness is for now—not when you feel worthy.
9. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior
Fanny J. Crosby wrote this prayerful hymn in 1868. Though blind, she saw clearly the mercy of Jesus and often wrote about His compassion for the outcast.
The plea of the penitent—“Savior, do not pass me by”—is the heart cry of those seeking grace. And the beautiful truth is: He never does.
10. I Am Thine, O Lord
Also by Fanny J. Crosby, this hymn expresses a desire to draw nearer to the One who has forgiven us.
Forgiveness isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of intimacy. God’s mercy draws us near, not just to save us but to keep us in fellowship with Him.
11. Whiter Than Snow
James Nicholson, a humble clerk in Philadelphia, wrote this hymn in the 19th century, expressing his longing for purity through God's forgiveness.
“Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” God’s forgiveness doesn’t just remove guilt—it renews us. We are made clean, holy, and whole.
12. Take My Life and Let It Be
Frances Havergal wrote this hymn in 1874 after surrendering everything to Christ during a short stay with friends.
True forgiveness leads to consecration. When you know you’ve been forgiven much, your natural response is, “Take my life, it is Yours.”
13. He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions
Based on Isaiah 53, this hymn draws from prophecy about the suffering Savior.
Forgiveness isn’t abstract—it came through wounds, stripes, and the suffering of Christ. Every sin we confess has already been paid for.
14. Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Elizabeth Clephane wrote this hymn shortly before her death in 1869. It was a reflection of her devotion to Christ and comfort in His sacrifice.
At the cross, we find shade, shelter, and peace. It's where mercy meets misery and offers new life.
15. Jesus, Lover of My Soul
Charles Wesley penned this timeless hymn after narrowly escaping a mob. He found solace in Christ’s mercy.
In danger, guilt, or sorrow, Jesus remains the lover of our soul—the One who forgives and holds us fast.
16. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
Originally a Latin poem from the Middle Ages, translated by Paul Gerhardt and later by James Alexander. It focuses on Christ’s suffering.
Looking on the suffering Savior, we realize the cost of our sin and the depth of His love. Forgiveness isn’t free—it was bought with blood.
17. Depth of Mercy! Can There Be
Written by Charles Wesley, this hymn wrestles with the amazement that God could forgive even the worst sinner.
If you’ve ever questioned whether God can still forgive you—this hymn answers with a resounding “Yes!”
18. O the Blood of Jesus
A simple, traditional spiritual sung in many early American churches. Its repetitive structure made it memorable and heartfelt.
The repetition drives home the message: the blood of Jesus truly washes white as snow. It never loses its power.
19. Love Lifted Me
James Rowe wrote this joyful hymn in 1912, and it celebrates salvation through Christ’s redeeming love.
“Souls in danger, look above…” Forgiveness is God’s rescue mission. His love lifts us from despair to joy.
20. The Old Rugged Cross
Written by George Bennard in 1912 as he reflected on the meaning of the cross.
The cross isn’t just a symbol—it’s the center of forgiveness. “I will cling to the old rugged cross…” because that’s where mercy flows.
These hymns remind us that forgiveness is real, available, and life-changing. Whether you’re just beginning to understand God’s grace or you’ve known it for years, these songs will draw you deeper into the heart of divine mercy.
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