The Lord says, “Now, let’s settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool. -Isaiah 1:18 (GNT)

The idea of God forgiving His children is certainly not something new to the New Testament. Throughout history, God’s forgiveness of His people is recorded in Scripture. The requirement has always been faith in God’s love for us, not our good deeds. This is not to say that a Christian is not known by their fruit, but they are to act out of love, not fear that they will be punished if they don’t accomplish good works. In the book of Hebrews, we are given accounts of how famous biblical characters found their salvation and it was always through faith.

It was by their faith that people of ancient times won God’s approval. -Hebrews 11:2 (GNT)