For God’s Sake

1 John 2:12

I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. 

The knowledge that God has forgiven all of our sins is life-changing. Because of the cross, we are forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). In chapter two of the same epistle, John states that our sins are forgiven for His name’s sake. Why does he say that it is for God’s sake? I always assumed it was for ours. We are the ones who are forgiven of sin, released from bondage, made righteous, accepted, and free. So why is it for God’s sake? What does He gain from a painful, humiliating, sin atoning sacrifice? 

He gains us. He gains the relationship that was stolen in the garden. He gains sons and daughters. He gains the joy of restoring His creation to everything He intended. And He gains the opportunity to release grace and mercy when what is deserved is judgment and eternal separation from Him.

God has the right to judge. He is holy, and His very presence condemns all that is not. How then can He love the unlovely, draw close to the sinner, and comfort those who have fallen? He cannot. He cannot be less than who He is, for He is God and perfect in all of His ways. Through the cross however, sin has been removed. Everything that has separated has been taken away and we have been restored to relationship with our God. The veil has been torn, man can come close, and the holy can now fellowship with the unholy.

The forgiveness of our sins not only reveals God’s character but also showcases His desires. It is for His pleasure that we are called “little children.” God wanted us. He not only created us but also purposefully designed us for a relationship with Himself. Just as a married couple longs for children, God, in all His fullness as Creator, longed for those He could relate to. Elephants and butterflies are amazing creations, but they cannot satisfy His longing for relationship. Only you and I can do that. Only those fashioned with free will and enlivened by the very breath of God Himself, can satisfy His heart to know and be known. He is the One who longs for us and has forgiven all of our sins, for His name sake.