Trespass
Summary
Trespass refers to sin against God or wrongdoing against another person, with Scripture requiring confession, restitution, and offering for forgiveness.
☩Trespass Offering
The trespass offering (guilt offering) was required for sins involving violation of holy things or wrongs against others. The offerer confessed the specific sin, made full restitution plus one-fifth to the wronged party, then brought a ram without blemish for the priest to make atonement. This offering emphasized both vertical reconciliation with God and horizontal reconciliation with the injured party.
☩Forgiveness of Trespasses
Jesus taught His disciples to pray for forgiveness of trespasses as they forgive those who trespass against them. He warned that if we do not forgive others, neither will our Father forgive us. Paul declared that God in Christ has forgiven us all our trespasses, nailing them to the cross. Believers are called to forgive one another as God has forgiven them.
