Forgiven for Real: What It Means to Be Clean

What does it really mean to say, “I believe in the forgiveness of sins”? In this episode of the Gospel Gumbo Podcast, we explore the theological depth and emotional weight of one of the most powerful lines in the Apostles’ Creed. Forgiveness is more than an idea—it’s a spiritual reality that defines who we are as Christians.

Host and hospice chaplain Will shares a deeply moving story from his time in a Miami hospital, where the healing power of grace changed a patient’s life. We dive into the biblical foundation of forgiveness, expose ancient and modern errors (from Pelagianism to cancel culture), and unpack what it means to live as forgiven people in a forgiving community.

This episode weaves together biblical theology, real-life pastoral experience, Church history, and the practical outworking of the gospel in everyday life. If you’ve ever struggled with guilt, shame, bitterness, or the fear that you’re too far gone—this episode is for you.

Topics Covered Include:

·      What the Creed means by “I believe in the forgiveness of sins”

·      The emotional burden of guilt many Christians still carry

·      The true nature of sin: betrayal, slavery, and spiritual death

·      God’s heart as a forgiving Father (Exodus 34, Isaiah 53, 1 John 1:9)

·      How Jesus bore our sins and secured eternal pardon

·      Living as forgiven people: confession, grace, and reconciliation

·      Why we must forgive others—and treat them as truly forgiven

·      Heresies and distortions: Pelagianism, legalism, antinomianism, shame culture, cancel culture

·      The role of the Church in practicing forgiveness together

·      Hymns and Scripture that proclaim God’s cleansing grace

Key Scriptures Referenced:

Psalm 32 • Psalm 51 • Isaiah 53 • Exodus 34:6–7 • John 1:29 • Romans 8:1 • 1 John 1:9 • James 5:16 • Matthew 18 • Hebrews 10:14–18

Thanks for listening.

Contact me here: gospelgumbopodcast@gmail.com for corrections, suggestions, encouragements, questions.