Forgiveness Made Simple - Why, How, And When

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…” (1 Corinthians 1:30). 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

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 God put within us.  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 but was unwilling to forgive others in the same way … even in the smallest matter.  Jesus has paid the price for 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 we have power in withholding forgiveness.  Actually … in not forgiving, we are sinning.  

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

There is a process that a sinner follows to find forgiveness … he sins .. he is convicted by the spirit … he repents …. he confesses … he finds forgiveness from the one who has been offended.  All sin is against God.  So, 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 with his confession. 

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