In Mormonism, forgiveness is conditional and depends on both God’s mercy and a person’s complete repentance. Members are taught that to be forgiven, they must confess sins, forsake them fully, and keep the commandments going forward (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43). LDS manuals teach that God forgives only when a person has truly abandoned the sin and shown sincere effort to obey (Gospel Principles, chapter 19, “Repentance”). Because of this, many Mormons struggle with assurance, wondering if they have done enough to qualify for forgiveness..
This differs from biblical Christianity, which teaches that forgiveness is God’s free and complete gift through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Forgiveness does not depend on our ability to perfectly repent or abandon every sin, but rests on Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice. Believers are assured that all sins are forgiven through faith in him (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9).
