Watchtower Study, “Article 6”, April 14-20, 2025, Jehovah's forgiveness: why we are so grateful, Answers.

“God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son” (JOHN 3:16).

1, 2. Why do we say that human beings find ourselves in a situation similar to that of the young man in paragraph 1?

The Bible is clear that sin is like a debt that no one can pay on their own. Psalm 49:8 mentions that “the price of ransoming your life is so high that you always fail to pay it.” Just as the young man in the example is in a desperate situation due to inherited debt, Adam was perfect and had the possibility of transmitting eternal life to his children, but by sinning he lost that opportunity for himself and for all humanity.

Despite this desperate situation, Jehovah did not leave us without hope. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, Jehovah offers us the possibility of repaying this debt. Romans 6:23 says that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift that God gives is eternal life.” Because of this gift, we can hope to regain what Adam lost and live forever.

3. In what sense are sins like debts?

In biblical times, a person in debt could lose his possessions or even his freedom if he could not pay. Similarly, Adam's sin puts us in a desperate situation from which we cannot extricate ourselves.

Romans 6:23 highlights that sin has a wage, that is, a consequence: death. However, this verse also mentions that God offers us a gift: eternal life through Christ.

In Matthew 18:23-35, Jesus told a parable about a servant who owed an unpayable debt to his master, but he forgave it out of mercy. This parable illustrates Jehovah's love in offering us forgiveness through the sacrifice of his Son.

If Jehovah had not provided a means to cancel this debt, there would be no choice but to pay it with our own lives. But thanks to Jesus' rescue, Jehovah is able to forgive us and give us the opportunity to have a relationship with Him and the hope of eternal life.

4. a) Without help, what would become of us? (Psalm 49:7-9).

 These verses highlight the impossibility of a human being being able to save himself. No amount of money, effort, or good works could nullify the consequences of sin, so without divine intervention, there would be no way to escape this fate.

Ecclesiastes 3:19 emphasizes that, without hope in Jehovah, human life ends just like that of animals. But Jehovah offers us a way out: the sacrifice of Jesus. As Matthew 20:28 mentions, Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many, making resurrection and eternal life possible. Thank Jehovah, we are not condemned beyond remedy.

4. b) What meanings does the word sin have in the Bible? (See “Sin” box).

The Bible describes sin in several ways. Genesis 3:17-19 shows Adam's original sin, which had consequences for all humanity. Romans 5:14-17 reinforces that although Adam was perfect, he disobeyed and caused death to spread to everyone.

Psalm 51:5 highlights that we are born with an inclination toward sin, meaning that even though we want to do good, our imperfect nature leads us in another direction. Paul explained this in Romans 7:19 by saying, "I do not do the good that I want, but the evil that I do not want, that is what I do."

On the other hand, John 8:34 says that "everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin," indicating that if we do not fight our sinful tendencies, we end up trapped in a cycle of errors. James 1:14, 15 explains how this process works: first temptation, then desire, and finally sin.

5. What has Jehovah done to help us pay the debt of sin? (See image).

Just as a man in debt would feel gratitude if someone paid all he owed, we too can feel grateful to Jehovah, who has provided a means to free us from the sin inherited from Adam. As a sign of his love, he gave his only begotten Son so that, through his sacrifice, we could be rescued.

Jesus himself explained that this sacrifice is an expression of God's love for humanity. Accepting this gift means demonstrating faith in Christ and his sacrifice, which allows us to enjoy a relationship with Jehovah and have the hope of eternal life.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. Jesus speaking during the night. 2. Some Roman soldiers take Jesus' body down from the torture stake.

Jesus preached the good news about Jehovah’s forgiveness, which is made possible by the ransom (John 3:16). Afterwards, he gladly gave his own life as a ransom. (See paragraph 5).

6. What biblical concepts will we analyze in this article, and why?

To receive forgiveness of our sins and benefit from the gift that Jehovah has given us through the sacrifice of Jesus, it is essential to understand some key biblical concepts. In this article we will study:

The reconciliation: that allows us to restore our relationship with God.

The atonement: that covers our sins.

The propitiation: that appeases divine wrath.

The rescue: that frees humanity from slavery to sin.

The redemption: which implies being purchased through the sacrifice of Christ.

The fact of being declared righteous: which allows us to be at peace with God.

Reflecting on these terms will strengthen our gratitude for Jehovah's mercy and the value of Jesus' sacrifice.

THE GOAL: RECONCILIATION

7. a) What else did Adam and Eve lose?

In Luke 3:38 we see that Adam and Eve, before sinning, were part of God's family, referring to Adam as the son of God. However, when they rebelled, they were expelled from their heavenly family and separated from Jehovah. This break occurred before they had children, meaning that all of their descendants were born outside of that relationship with God.

His disobedience not only affected his own life, but also marked the destiny of all humanity. By disobeying Jehovah, they not only lost the opportunity to live eternally, but also their special relationship with their Creator.

7. b) What do the descendants of Adam and Eve desperately need? (Romans 5:10, 11).

Due to the sin of Adam and Eve, all their descendants are born away from Jehovah. As Romans 5:10 says, we were his enemies, but thanks to Jesus' sacrifice we can be reconciled to God and restore our relationship with Him.

This reconciliation is not something we can achieve on our own, but Jehovah has taken the initiative to make it possible.

The Greek word translated “reconcile” in this passage can also mean “to make an enemy become a friend,” highlighting Jehovah’s love in giving us the opportunity to draw closer to Him again.

THE SYSTEM: THE ATONEMENT

8. a) What is atonement?

The atonement is a key concept in the Bible, related to the restoration of the broken relationship between humans and Jehovah due to sin. This system involves making an exchange, in which something of equal value is offered to cover what has been lost or destroyed.

In the biblical context, it refers to the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us, which provides the opportunity to be forgiven for our sins. This sacrifice, instead of being our own, is replaced by the perfect life of Jesus, allowing us to draw closer to Jehovah again.

8. b) What is propitiation?

Propitiation has a meaning closely related to atonement, but with a deeper nuance of peace and reconciliation. Propitiation not only covers sin, but also ensures that the person can return to harmony with God.

The Greek word used in the scriptures for “propitiation” has the idea of ​​appeasing or appeasing anger, and what it does is restore a relationship of friendship and peace with Jehovah. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, God provides this means so that all who exercise faith in him can enjoy a good relationship with God.

9. What temporal system did Jehovah establish so that the Israelites could receive forgiveness for their sins?

 In the Old Testament, Jehovah established a temporary system of sacrifices so that the Israelites could receive forgiveness of their sins and maintain a good relationship with Him. This system centered on the Day of Atonement, which was celebrated annually. During this day, the high priest offered animal sacrifices on behalf of the people, seeking atonement for their sins.

However, these sacrifices could not permanently eliminate sin, since the animals offered were inferior to human beings. These sacrifices functioned as a reminder that the Israelites needed a definitive solution to sin, one that would later be provided through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

10. What permanent solution for the forgiveness of sins did Jehovah have in mind?

Jehovah devised a definitive and permanent solution for the forgiveness of sins through the sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ. Unlike the temporal sacrifices offered in the Old Testament system, Jesus was offered only once to bear the sins of many people.

Jesus' sacrifice not only dealt with the forgiveness of sins of those who lived in his time, but extended its effect to all humanity, offering the opportunity for redemption to all who have faith in him.

Jesus gave his life as a “ransom for many people,” meaning that his sacrifice allowed the liberation of all who would benefit from it.

THE PRICE: THE RESCUE

11. a) In the Bible, what is a ransom?

The rescue is fundamental in the plan of salvation that Jehovah has established for humanity. In biblical terms, a ransom is the price paid to restore something that has been lost, and in this case, that price relates to the atonement of sins and reconciliation with God.

Adam and Eve lost their perfect life and the chance to live forever because of sin, so the ransom must be enough to restore what was lost in Eden, something that only a proper sacrifice could accomplish. This sacrifice, according to the Scriptures, is that of a perfect being capable of atoning effectively.

11. b) What conditions would have to be met to pay the ransom?

The rescue needed to restore what Adam and Eve lost had to meet three essential conditions.

First: Whoever offered it had to be perfect so that their sacrifice could replace the perfect life that had been lost.

Second: that person had to have the possibility of living forever on earth, which would ensure that his sacrifice was sufficient and lasting.

Finally: The person had to be willing to give their life as a sacrifice for others.

These three conditions were only fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who, being perfect and eternal, sacrificed his life to save humanity.

12. For what reasons was Jesus able to pay the ransom?

Jesus Christ fulfilled all the necessary conditions to pay the ransom that humanity needed. First, he was perfect and had never sinned, making him fit to replace what Adam lost.

Secondly, he had the possibility of living forever on earth, since he had no inherited sin or condemnation to death. And thirdly, he was completely voluntary in his sacrifice, as he gave up his life to save humanity.

Thanks to this, Jesus was able to atone for Adam's sin and restore what he had lost. That's why Jesus Christ is called "the last Adam" in 1 Corinthians 15:45. His sacrifice was sufficient and definitive; It was not necessary for another perfect human being to come to pay again for Adam's sin, since his death “was once and for all.”

13. What is the difference between the atonement and ransom system?

The difference between these two concepts lies in their purpose and function. The system of atonement is the mechanism that Jehovah has arranged so that sinful humanity can be reconciled with Him. That is, it is the process by which God erases sins and allows humans to return to a relationship with Him.

On the other hand, the ransom is the specific price that is paid to make this atonement possible. That price was not just any sacrifice, but the precious blood of Jesus Christ, who willingly gave his life for humanity. His blood has the power to cleanse the sins of all who exercise faith in him and desire to draw closer to God.

THE RESULTS: REDEMPTION AND BEING DECLARED RIGHTEOUS

14. What are we going to analyze now, and why?

At this point in the study, we are invited to delve deeper into the benefits of the atonement, that is, what we gain because Jehovah offers us forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus. The Bible uses several expressions to describe these benefits. Although they have similar meanings, each of them highlights a unique aspect of how God has arranged the forgiveness of sins.

The purpose of this discussion is to help us further appreciate Jehovah’s love and mercy, better understanding what the atonement entails and how it affects our relationship with Him.

15, 16. a) What does the biblical concept of redemption refer to?

The concept of redemption in the Bible involves the liberation or absolution of a person through the payment of a ransom. The apostle Peter explained that Christians were not rescued with material goods such as gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Christ, who was a perfect sacrifice, without defect or spot. In other words, redemption not only means that our sins are forgiven, but that we are also freed from slavery to sin and its consequences.

15, 16. b) How do we feel when we think that we can be freed from sin and death?

Sin and death have caused much suffering to humanity, but thanks to the rescue of Jesus we can be freed from these terrible consequences. This fills us with gratitude and hope, as it means that we are not condemned to live and die in sin without a solution.

Therefore, instead of feeling hopeless, we can look to the future with joy and confidence in Jehovah's promise to give us eternal life through the sacrifice of his Son.

17, 18. a) What does it mean to be declared righteous?

In the Bible, being declared righteous means that Jehovah forgives our sins and finds us acceptable in his sight. It is not that he ignores our faults or that we pass the test on our own merits; Rather, it is through our faith in Jesus' sacrifice and the system of atonement that Jehovah can make us righteous.

This act of justice does not override God's standards, but rather reflects his love and mercy. It gives us the opportunity to be reconciled to Him and enjoy His favor, despite our imperfections.

17, 18. b) How does that benefit us?

Being declared righteous opens the way to many blessings. Some Christians are given the opportunity to reign with Christ in heaven as they are adopted as spiritual children of God. Other Christians hope to live forever on Earth and be considered friends of God.

Furthermore, the righteous and the unrighteous will be resurrected, demonstrating Jehovah's love for humanity. The great multitude that will survive Armageddon will have the possibility of never dying. Finally, all who are faithful will enjoy the glorious freedom of the children of God.

19. What situation are we in thanks to what Jehovah and Jesus have done for us? (See also the box “Jehovah's Forgiveness.”)

Before Jehovah intervened, our situation was desperate, like that of a person with an unpayable debt. But thanks to Jesus' rescue, we have been freed from sin and death. Jehovah absolves us completely, causing our sins to be blotted out, as if we had never committed them.

Most importantly, we can now have a close relationship with Jehovah, who desires reconciliation with humanity. This act of love reflects His purpose to restore our relationship with Him through atonement, rescue, and redemption.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. People from different cultures. 2. Jesus carrying his torture stake.

20. What will we analyze in the next article?

The following article will focus on some biblical comparisons that will help us delve deeper into the meaning of Jehovah's forgiveness. Reflecting on what Jehovah and Jesus have done for us fills us with gratitude, because without their help we would have no hope.

These comparisons will allow us to further appreciate Jehovah's love and mercy, and how his forgiveness transforms our lives.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What is the goal of Jehovah's forgiveness?

Jehovah's goal is for human beings to enjoy a good relationship with Him.

What is the basis for Jehovah to forgive our sins?

The main basis is our faith in the system of atonement and the ransom paid by Jesus Christ.

How does Jehovah's forgiveness benefit us?

It frees us from sin and death, allows us to be his friends and have the hope of eternal life.