Simplifying Forgiveness - Who, What, When, Why and How

"By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." —Hebrews 10:14

“We trample the blood of the Son of God underfoot if we think we are forgiven because we are sorry for our sins. The only reason for the forgiveness of our sins by God, and the infinite depth of His promise to forget them, is the death of Jesus Christ. Our repentance is merely the result of our personal realization of the atonement by the Cross of Christ, which He has provided for us. “…Christ Jesus…became for us wisdom from God— and righteousness and sanctification and redemption…”  No matter who or what we are, God restores us to right standing with Himself only by means of the death of Jesus Christ. God is just in saving bad people only as He makes them good. Our Lord does not pretend we are all right when we are all wrong. The atonement by the Cross of Christ is the propitiation God uses to make unholy people holy." Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest 

Propitiation is a big word that refers to the Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant and to Jesus. Jesus was our propitiation [Romans 3:25, Hebrews 2:17, 1 John 2:2, 4:10] – in that His death on the Cross satisfied God’s wrath for our sin. 

Why do we forgive?  Because we are forgiven.  How can we forgive? It’s a supernatural act, not an act of our natural will to be benevolent.  It is by the power that is within us and not something that we muster up within our own will.  We are eager to be forgiven but not so eager to forgive others. When do we forgive?  … as often as the repentant soul seeks forgiveness.  Peter asked Jesus about “repeat offenders” … 

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” - Matthew 18:21-22

Jesus followed that with the parable of the unmerciful or unforgiving servant.  A man who had been forgiven much but was unwilling to forgive others in the same way … even in the smallest matter.  Jesus has paid the price for our sin.  Once for all. Think about it.  Why would we think that the offense against us is somehow more significant that our offense against God?  How can your reject one who has been forgiven by God .. who do you think you are?  I’ll tell you.  It goes back to the Garden.  We want to be like God.  How dare someone sin against me.  In our humanness, we think that somehow we have power and the justification in withholding forgiveness.  When, actually … in not forgiving, we are sinning ourselves.  

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”  - James 4:17 

Then you must repent of your unforgiveness and seek forgiveness yourself! 

There is a process that every sinner follows to find forgiveness … we sin .. we are convicted by the Spirit … we repent  …. we confess … we seek forgiveness from the one who has been offended.  All sin is against God.  Most sin is toward others - but not necessarily. Some sin is against ourselves - just between us and God. So in all cases, as the offender, you must first go to God and then to the one you have offended.  Confession means … to agree with.  God knows all things, so it is not like the sinner is going to surprise Him. 

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." - 1 John 1:8-10

Like the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) - until someone seeks forgiveness there can be no restoration. The father did not stop loving the son who went his own way and squandered what he had. But when the son repented and returned to the father humbly seeking forgiveness - his father - who longed for his return - embraced his son and restored him. Just like our Father does to us.  Have you withheld forgiveness to a prodigal in your life?

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone