The term translated “forbearance” (Romans 3:25) conveys God’s deliberate decision to “pass over” sins already committed, postponing their just penalty until the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It is not indifference toward sin but a purposeful suspension of judgment so that His saving plan might be unfolded in history.

Biblical Usage

Paul’s single use in Romans 3:25 lies at the heart of his argument that “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23) and that God remains righteous while justifying sinners. By highlighting divine forbearance, Paul explains how God preserved His own justice during the long centuries before the cross. The verse reads:

“God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice, through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand” (Romans 3:25).

Old Testament Foundations

Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures God repeatedly restrained immediate wrath:
• Genesis 15:16 – the iniquity of the Amorites was “not yet complete”;
• Exodus 34:6 – He is “slow to anger”;
• Psalm 78:38 – “Many a time He restrained His anger.”

Such episodes foreshadowed a greater provision yet to come. They were not full pardons but provisional stays of execution, anticipating the once-for-all sacrifice.

New Testament Fulfillment

At Calvary the final account came due. The sins God had “passed over” were transferred to Christ, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Thus the cross simultaneously vindicated God’s earlier restraint and secured eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:15). After that decisive event, forgiveness is proclaimed in terms of complete remission rather than temporary forbearance (Acts 13:38; Ephesians 1:7).

Theological Significance

1. Vindication of Divine Righteousness. Forbearance without satisfaction could appear unjust. The cross resolves that tension by displaying both justice and grace (Romans 3:26).
2. Unity of the Covenants. Saints before and after the incarnation are saved by the same grace, though experienced in different temporal stages (Hebrews 11:39-40).
3. Hope for the Nations. God’s restraint toward idolatrous Gentiles (Acts 17:30) gave space for the gospel to reach them.

Comparison with Related Terms

• “Forbearance” (Romans 3:25) stresses deferment of penalty.
• “Forgiveness” (Colossians 1:14) highlights release from penalty.

Both meet in Christ: what God delayed, He finally removed.

Historical Doctrinal Reflections

Early Fathers (e.g., Athanasius) saw the cross as a public demonstration that God had not ignored sin. Reformers such as John Calvin emphasized that the Old Testament sacrificial system pointed to Christ and that divine patience under the Law was justified only by the coming atonement. Protestant confessions continue to affirm that God’s mercy in former ages anticipated the blood of Christ.

Pastoral and Practical Applications

1. Gratitude and Worship. Believers marvel that God withheld judgment until He could bear it Himself.
2. Humble Repentance. Knowing the cost of divine patience guards against presumption (Romans 2:4).
3. Imitation of God. As recipients of holy forbearance, Christians practice measured patience toward others (Ephesians 4:32).

Implications for Evangelism and Discipleship

The era of forbearance urges urgent proclamation: “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). God’s patience serves a missionary purpose (2 Peter 3:9). Discipleship training should therefore highlight both the severity and kindness of God (Romans 11:22), motivating faithful obedience.

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 3929 captures a crucial phase in redemptive history—God’s temporary suspension of judgment that culminated in the cross. Rightly understood, it magnifies the holiness, wisdom, and love of God and calls the church to grateful worship, earnest repentance, and vigorous gospel witness.