It is said that to forget is human. But on the other hand, according to scientists the human brain stores everything. A person therefore is actually incapable of forgetting. It is, however, a good thing that we can at least remove unpleasant matters from our minds, even though they may linger somewhere in the subconscience.

The Bible also tells us that God both remembers and forgets. God desires truth in the innermost being (Ps. 51:8). He knows what is in our heart. When we think of this we are disturbed. We cannot endure His probing glance or His judgment. "It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebr. 10:31). We hope that He would forget or that we might hide our deeds from Him. We cannot hide our deeds from the all?knowing God.

But can God forget?

God's omnipotence also includes the ability to forget. God does not forget as we would want Him to forget. He demands that we come into the light so that He can admonish us because of our sins. But when He has called us to give an account and awakened in us a sorrow for sin, He stops admonishing us and reveals His gracious heart to us. He has loved us with an everlasting love in His Son. Jesus has atoned for our sins. The new Covenant has been founded on this promise of God: "I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more" (Jer. 31:34).

We may not be able to forget, but God promises not to remember our sins. This is the important thing. If God does not remain angry with us, but removes our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west (Ps. 103:12), we can rejoice and be at peace. Therefore whoever wants to live in peace, let him firmly grasp hold of Christ's grace.

Not all people, however, accept God's grace. Because of their unbelief God remembers their sins. "They will be utterly ashamed, because they have failed, with an everlasting disgrace that will not be forgotten" (Jer. 20:11). On the Last Day we must give an account of our thoughts, words and deeds. How foolish is he who, here in the time of grace, does not seek refuge in Christ. How wise is he to whom the preaching of the Cross is God's power and wisdom. How sweet it is to be safe in the hand of our heavenly Father.