In a recent class at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC (where I am a student) this topic came to the forefront. Now, one may be asking themself this question "What the heck is divine forgetfulness?" Glad you asked.
Ever heard someone define "Justified" as saying "God looks at you 'just-as-if-i'd' never sinned?" I must confess, growing up in a good'ol Southern Baptist Church where analogies run rampant and alliteration dominates sermons from the pulpit, this was the way I had always heard the word "Justified" defined; and have never questioned it. And the reality of it is, why would I question it? It sounds so perfect. It has that beautiful tone to it that says "God forgives and forgets."* But does he really?
The problem with the basis of this statement is that it imposes a certain "forgetfullness" about the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. It suggest that God sees you as one who has "never sinned." Of course, we as believers do not believe that we have never sinned do we? We all know that the Scripture teaches us that "All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God." Even more practical, one who denies the sinful state of human nature is probably living in a cave. Somewhere down the line, YOU HAVE SINNED.
So, does God believe a lie about us? Does he really see you now as "one who has never sinned?" Absolutely not! God can not believe a lie. He does not see you as one who "has never sinned," rather; He declares you innocent because of His Son!
The lesson learned for me as I sat through a great class was to learn to think through things. Learn to disect all things from the Word of God. As 1 John states, not all things that come to you are from the Spirit of GOD. Also remember, you and I, we have sinned; but because of the blood of Jesus the Messiah, we have been declared innocent in His sight. We are Justified.
*Lecture: Dr. David P. Nelson, Christian Theology I
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