What are the characteristics of God’s forgiveness?

• God’s forgiveness is gracious. He offers forgiveness freely. This is not because forgiveness is free in terms of cost. It is a very expensive gift that can be offered freely because, motivated by love, God send his one and only Son to pay the price for it.
• God’s forgiveness is a commitment. When God forgives us, he makes a commitment that we are pardoned from our sin and that is no longer counted against us.
• God’s forgiveness is conditional. Only those who repent and have saving faith are forgiven.
• God’s forgiveness lays the groundwork for and begins the process of reconciliation.