What happens when God forgives? The main Greek word for forgiveness is aphiemi. The primary meaning is "to send forth or away, to let go from oneself". It's a powerful word. It's also used in the context of divorce. In essence, Jesus "divorced" you from your sins. They have been put away and God remembers them no more. The fact that we have been declared righteous is proof that our sins have been forgiven. Our sins no longer define who we are. That's the ministry of reconciliation - the God is no longer counting sins against us. We have the righteousness of Jesus. (Chapter 8, page 57)