Chris Brauns, in Unpacking Forgiveness: biblical answers for complex questions and deep wounds defines forgiveness as…

a commitment by the one true God to pardon graciously those who repent and believe so that they are reconciled to him, although this commitment does not eliminate all consequences (51).

God’s forgiveness is…

• Gracious – God 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 sent His one and only Son to pay the price for it (51)
• A commitment – When God forgives us, he makes a commitment that we are pardoned from our sin and that it is no longer counted against us (51).
• Conditional – Only those who repent and have saving faith are forgiven (51).

Forgiveness does not eliminate the consequences of sin because we sin in Hebrews 12 and Proverbs 3:12 that God is a good, heavenly father and will discipline His children.