Define Remission (and Cancel)

I recently went to a baptism and heard the phrase "Baptism by immersion for the remission of sin," and I wondered what the dictionary definition of remission was, so I googled it.

re·mis·sion

rəˈmiSH(ə)n/

noun

the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty.

This word is an excellent fit for what baptism and repentance do about our sins. Our sins carry consequences in the forms of penalties. Jesus paid those penalties during His Atonement, putting us in His debt. But, when we are baptized and repent of our sins, our debt to Jesus is forgiven and ultimately canceled.

 

Note that the definition of remission does not imply repayment. Almost the opposite, in fact. Specifically, the debt, charge, or penalty is "canceled," with "cancel" meaning either to "decide or announce that (an arranged or planned event) will not take place" or "(of a factor or circumstance) neutralize or negate the force or effect of (another)."

 

Essentially, when we repent, the Lord "decide[s] or announce[s] that [our punishment] will not take place," and the force of mercy "neutralize[s] or negate[s] the force or effect of [justice]." We will still owe Jesus a great debt, as we probably always will, but we will not be penalized for not being able to pay it.

I am grateful for the Lord's mercy in extending the arms of mercy toward us and enabling us to obtain a remission of our sins. We don't deserve it, and we can never earn it, but He offers us forgiveness anyway. I am thankful for His goodness and mercy, and I'm thankful we were given a way to enable Him to cancel our debts.