How do we know that God has forgiven us?

The assurance of God's forgiveness is rooted in the completed work of Christ, as highlighted in Psalm 85:2, which states, 'Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people.' This forgiveness is not contingent upon our actions but is a gift granted through the blood of Jesus. In sovereign grace theology, this unconditional forgiveness assures believers that their past, present, and future sins are forgiven in Christ. The certainty lies in the 'hast'—God's past actions confirm His ongoing mercy towards us. The cross demonstrates that God's justice is satisfied, and through faith in Christ, we receive this forgiveness without merit.