As far as the East is from the West ∙∙
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalms 103:12
Psalms 103:2-14
2 Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagles!
7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.
8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
14 For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.
What is the Distance from the South Pole to the North Pole?
Although Earth appears to be a perfect sphere, it is slightly flattened at the poles, making it wider than it is tall. This shape, known as an oblate spheroid, affects its measurements.
Circumference from Pole to Pole: The distance from the South Pole to the North Pole is roughly 24,859 miles. Circumference around the Equator: The equatorial circumference is slightly larger, at 24,902 miles.
Thanks to modern science and mathematics, we can measure distances precisely. If someone travels north from the South Pole, they will eventually reach the North Pole. However, once they arrive at the North Pole and continue in the same direction, they will no longer be heading north. Instead, they will be heading south. The distance between the North and South Poles is a finite measurement.
The “East Pole” and “West Pole”
What is the distance from the “East Pole” to the “West Pole”? In that neither of these poles exists, this question is a non-sequitur. Unlike the North and South Poles, which are fixed geographical points, East and West are simply directions without a defined endpoint.
When traveling from East to West, if you start at the equator and head east, you will never reach a “West Pole;” you would continue traveling east indefinitely. The same applies if you travel west; you will never encounter an “East Pole.”
East and West represent directions that extend indefinitely, having no boundary or endpoint.
The Infinite Distance Between East and West
The concept of distance, whether from the South Pole to the North Pole or from East to West, provides a profound metaphor for understanding the Father’s forgiveness. The realization of the boundless distance between East and West is crucial for grasping the depth of His forgiveness. The Bible uses this imagery to illustrate how far God removes our sins from us, as shown in Psalms 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
Unlike the finite distance between the North and South Poles, the distance from East to West is immeasurable. This symbolizes an endless separation, representing the permanence of God’s forgiveness. We can say that the Father has removed our sins so far away that they can never be found or revisited. When He removes our sins, they are gone forever; the separation is absolute.
David’s Remarkable Insight
David wrote about the “distance” between East and West long before modern science existed. How could he have grasped this concept without the tools and knowledge we have today? This is an example of how the Bible conveys truth, before people had the scientific means to verify it.
REFLECT & PRAY
Have you fully embraced the transformative power of God’s infinite forgiveness in your life? Do you experience the freedom that comes from knowing your sins are removed as far as the East is from the West?
Father, thank You for removing my sins as far as the East is from the West. Help me to live in the freedom of Your forgiveness, knowing that my transgressions are gone forever.
INSIGHT
As Far as the East is from the West
As Constable explains, “God did not say He forgives our sins as far as the North is from the South, but as far as the East is from the West, namely infinitely.” The Father places our sins at an immeasurable distance, never to be revisited.
The Language of Forgiveness
The Hebrew text of Psalms 103:12 emphasizes the Father’s active role in removing our sins. The word “distance” is used both as a verb and a noun, illustrating the action and result of God’s forgiveness:
Action: “He distances our sins from us.” The Father actively removes our sins, placing them as far away as possible.
Result: “As is the distance from the east to the west.” This separation is complete and eternal.
As the UBS handbook notes, “God removes our sins from us as far as the place where the sun rises is from the place where the sun sets.”
The Full Scope of Sin
Psalms 103:10-12 describes the various ways people break God’s law using three key terms:
- Sin: Falling short of the mark or missing the target.
- Iniquity: An act that is inherently wrong or immoral.
- Transgression: Crossing a boundary or breaking a rule.
Each term reflects a different aspect of human failure; however, the Father’s forgiveness encompasses them all. He offers His children a complete pardon, removing every sin, iniquity, and transgression.
Sin is Trampled and Cast into the Deepest Part of the Ocean
The imagery of God’s forgiveness is reflected in Micah 7:19, “Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!” This verse emphasizes that God’s forgiveness is both complete and everlasting:
- Trampling Sin: God crushes our sins beneath His feet, making them powerless.
- Casting Sin Away: He throws them into the depths of the ocean, where they can never be retrieved.
Why Do Past Sins Linger?
If God has removed our sins, why do they sometimes linger in our minds? The answer lies in our understanding and application of His forgiveness.
To start, we need a clear understanding of what the Father has done with our sins. Many children of the King struggle with guilt, not realizing the full extent of the Father’s work. The Bible assures us that our sins are completely removed and no longer affect our eternal relationship with God. Key steps include:
- Embrace the Truth: Trust that God’s forgiveness is total and permanent.
- Rely on Scripture: God’s Word is always true, and His promises are sure.
Effectively Apply the Knowledge We Have
The enemy often reminds us of past sins and regrets, aiming to trap us in guilt. To counter this, we should:
- Resist the Enemy: Refuse to linger on past sins and focus on the reality of God’s forgiveness.
- Practice the Process: Recognize that forgiveness is not a one-time event but a continual practice of living out God’s promises.
Cleansing the Conscience
The Father not only forgives our sins but also purges and cleanses our conscience. Over time, memories of past sins fade away, and we find true freedom. He has issued a powerful declaration about the sufficiency and transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice. The author of Hebrews writes in Hebrews 9:14, “Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God.”
The “blood of Christ” refers to His sacrificial death on the cross. In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were repeatedly required to atone for sins. These sacrifices were temporary and external. In contrast, Christ’s sacrifice was a once-for-all event. It was sufficient not only to remove our sins but also to cleanse our conscience, the core of our innermost being.
His sacrifice purifies our conscience by freeing us from guilt, shame, and the burden of our sinful past. It reaches into the depths of our souls, transforming our hearts and minds.
As Charles Stanley explains, “A father pities his children by considering their weakness, immaturity, and ignorance. Our heavenly Father does the same with us.”
¯\_(ツ)_/¯3-16-2
© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 