Reasons to believe forgiveness is possible

Jesus is “mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.” (Alma 7:14) He provides evidence of his ability to forgive sins in the form of personal evidence and outwardly visible evidence.

The strongest evidence for Jesus’ ability to forgive sins is the fact that when one follows his prescribed instructions, they will receive the undeniable peace that comes. The greater one’s recognition of their true situation, the more obvious the alleviation from guilt and sorrow will be when forgiveness is obtained:

Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy. (Alma 36:21)

A recognition of one’s receipt of forgiveness is something internal to the individual, but the actions it motivates can be seen by others. Those who are forgiven do not act contrary to their understanding of God’s character. They do what they believe he would do in their place at all times and in all places.¹ The jarring difference in their behavior and their sudden ability to do and endure very difficult things attest to the internal change wrought by obtaining forgiveness from God for past sins.

While many of these changes will go unnoticed by others, some of these actions fall into the category of miracles. During his mortal ministry, Jesus performed miracles in order to provide reasons to believe that he had the power to forgive sins:

1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
2 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.
3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 
6 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.
7 And he arose, and departed to his house. (Matthew 9)

In our day, the Lord has likewise provisioned servants to the earth demonstrating the miraculous signs that he promised would attend all believers in order that mankind might have faith that Jesus has the power to forgive sin.