Bible Dictionaries
Remission

Holman Bible Dictionary

Release, forgiveness. RSV used remission only in the sense of refraining from exacting a tax ( Esther 2:18 ). Other modern translations avoided the term. KJV frequently used the expression, “remission of sins,” to mean release from the guilt or penalty of sins. Modern translations generally substitute the term forgiveness . With the exception of Romans 3:25 , the underlying Greek term is aphesis . Remission of sins is often linked with repentance, both in the preaching of John the Baptist (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3 ) and the early church (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31 ). Remission of sins results from Christ's sacrificial death (Matthew 26:28; compare Hebrews 10:17-18 ) and from Christ's exaltation (Acts 5:31 ). Remission of sins is available to all who believe in the name of Jesus (Acts 10:43; compare Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38 ). Because Christ's sacrifice has freed believers from the guilt and penalty of sin, no additional sacrifices are needed (Hebrews 10:18 ). The term rendered “remission” in Romans 3:25 (paresis) refers to God's letting sin go unpunished in anticipation of the work of Christ.