It is not that sins had not been forgiven previously. But they were forgiven in anticipation of the coming Christ. "God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." Rom 3:25,26
The New Covenant with its promises is exclusive to the called. Being called involves hearing the gospel and responding to its call. So let us all be active in calling people into the faith.
As for Christ paying for sins some may ask as to whom the payment was made and how it was made. I believe there are a couple of aspects of God's judicial nature which come into play here. One that we're all familiar with is that God demands compensation for sins committed. But another aspect is that God also compensates those who undergo unjustified suffering. Christ suffered unjustly at the hands of wicked men, and so was entitled to compensation. Being the very Creator in the flesh the value of such suffering entitled him to pay for the sins of the world. Thus the payment was made to God's judicial nature.
Having had our sins paid for, we are no longer subject to the condemnation associated with the guilt of sin. And likewise our destiny is to be free from the corruption associated with sin which among other things affects our behavior. But we have been set free in order to serve God.
"You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." Rom 6:18 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Gal 5:13.
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