Forgiveness in the Bible is a “release” or a “dismissal” of something. The forgiveness we have in Christ involves the release of sinners from God’s just penalty and the complete dismissal of all charges against us (Romans 8:1).

1. Are sins forgiven without a payment
according to Matthew 9:1-7?
The short answer is YES, forgiveness is free in every sense of the
word.
“And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and
Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer;
thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within
themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said,
Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins
be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the
Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of
the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and
departed to his house.” Matthew 9:1-7
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2. Forgiveness in the Bible is a “release” or a “dismissal” of something.
The forgiveness we have in Christ involves the release of sinners from
God’s just penalty and the complete dismissal of all charges against us
(Romans 8:1).
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of
sins:” Colossians 1:14
The Amplified Bible translates the last phrase like this: “the
forgiveness of our sins and the cancellation of sins’ penalty.”
God’s gracious forgiveness of our sin is to be the measure of our
gracious forgiveness of others (Ephesians 4:32).
To some people, forgiveness may seem like weakness or letting an
undeserving person win, but it has no connection to weakness or even
to emotions. Instead, forgiveness is an act of the will. Forgiveness is
not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven. No one
deserves to be forgiven. Forgiveness is a deliberate act of love, mercy,
and grace. Forgiveness is a decision to not hold something against
another person, despite what he or she has done to you.
What is forgiveness in relation to salvation?
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3. Forgiveness is an integral part of salvation. When Jesus forgives us,
our sins, trespasses, iniquities, and transgressions are erased, wiped
off the record. Forgiveness of sin is comparable to financial debt being
erased. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” from the cross (John 19:30),
He was literally saying, “It is paid in full” (tetelestai in Greek). Jesus
took the punishment we deserved, so, when God forgives us of our
sins, we are free; we no longer live under that debt. Our sins are
wiped out. God will never hold that sin against us.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions
from us.” Psalm 103:12
It is impossible to have salvation without forgiveness. Salvation is
God’s deliverance from the consequences of sin. God’s salvation in
Christ is the ultimate example of forgiveness.
What is forgiveness of others?
Forgiveness is also an essential part of the life of believers.
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4. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as
God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32. Similarly,
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a
quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians
3:13
The key in both passages is that we are to forgive others as God has
forgiven us. Why do we forgive? Because we have been forgiven!
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive
you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father
forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15 (also Matthew 18:23-35)
The Bible instructs that we are to forgive those who sin against us. We
should keep no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5) but forgive as
many times as necessary (Matthew 18:21–22). Refusing to forgive a
person demonstrates resentment, bitterness, and anger, none of which
are the traits of a growing Christian.
God promises that, when we come to Him confessing our sin and
asking for forgiveness, He freely grants it for the sake of Christ (1 John
1:9). Likewise, the forgiveness we extend to others should know no
limits (Luke 17:3–4).
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