What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?
The five previous weeks we have discussed how to become saved and stay saved. While this subject is fresh in our minds, let us reflect and seek to understand what forgiveness is. The need for forgiveness necessitates the perfect sacrifice of the Messiah, Jesus. Without forgiveness of sins, we remain in sin and hopeless. So with regard to forgiveness, how must we as Christians forgive those who have sinned against us? Some have attempted to look at Matthew 6:14-15 to justify forgiveness as a purely one-sided transaction. The text reads,
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Does this mean that one forgives regardless of repentance or is forgiveness unconditional?
Repentance is Always a Prerequisite of Forgiveness
There has been an error taught in the world including many denominational groups, that has begun to creep into the teaching of some well-meaning brethren. This error is that we must forgive regardless of the violator's repentance. This cannot be further from the truth. Consider Jesus' statement in Luke 17:3-4
“Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he sin against thee seven times in the day, and seven times turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” (emphasis mine)
When we read, we cannot help but recognize the conditions of forgiveness. If my brother sins, what does Jesus command me to do? Rebuke him. I suppose that one might think that they are being a kind individual by not saying anything when a brother sins. Perhaps they might think that this approach of just forgiving them for their error regardless of repentance is the most Christ-like. Christ commands rebuke. Sin must be rebuked, otherwise, sin will continue. Christ was known for rebuking those in sin: the Pharisees, lawyers (cf. Matt. 23; Luke 11:37-52), and even Peter (cf. Mark 8:33).
Godly Sorrow Must be Present
This approach is mirrored in the world. If we look to the world we will often find a faux-apology which usually goes, “I’m sorry, but…” The Bible differentiates between the sorrow of the world and godly sorrow. Paul writes, “For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (2 Cor 7:10). If I am rebuked and truly sorrowful for my sin, I will repent (change). If I will not, I am simply sorry I got caught, and no lasting change will happen. The Word teaches that rebuke and repentance is necessary.
Forgiveness is Never One-Sided
If my brother sins and I am faithful to the command to rebuke, if he repents, then I must forgive. What if he does not repent, shall I forgive? Jesus provides no such scenario. We have bought into this lie, that forgiveness is primarily about us. It has been said that we need to forgive so that we can move on with our lives. Moving on with your life and forgiving an unrepentant person are not mutually exclusive. What Christians must do is not let that sin committed by another overwhelm us or cause us to sin. The enemy wants nothing more than for you to dwell on and hate another so that you will sin yourself. The truth is forgiveness is a two-way street. If I rebuke and my brother repents, I must forgive. If the sin comes again, then what should follow? Rebuke, repentance, and forgiveness. As often as a brother sins, we rebuke, and if he repents, we extend forgiveness without end. If one of these actions is missing, then forgiveness cannot be achieved.
The Soul Is The Most Important
Let us consider again, God’s standard for forgiveness. How shall we forgive? The Spirit said, “and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32). How did God in Christ forgive me? Is repentance necessary to have my sins forgiven (Acts 2:28; Acts 3:19). Yes! Forgiveness of sins is always predicated on repentance. Has God ever forgiven the unrepentant sinner? No! How are we to defy Christ and practice something that makes us feel better but does nothing to help the offender? This is contrary to many New Testament passages, including James 5:19-20
“My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.”
How can I convert my brother if I will not call on him to repent (rebuke)? How can my brother be brought back into the fold of God if he will not repent? The answer is obvious he cannot.
Friends and brethren, we must let the Bible define Bible things. We go to the Bible (and rightfully so) to define worship, church leadership, and the exclusivity of the Lord’s church. Likewise, Biblical forgiveness must be defined by God’s Word alone. May we be ever concerned with obedience to God, and the love of souls, rather than a false notion of inner peace.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
