The Doctrine of Forgiveness: A Full Study of Justification and the Transformative Grace of Forgiveness

Digging Deeper

Feel Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a central reality to Christian life and faith.   It embodies both the redemptive work of God through the cross of Jesus Christ  and the defining marks of a transformed heart extending the grace of forgiveness to others unconditionally.  Though linked, these are two distinct concepts of forgiveness that operate on different planes.  The first is divine and vertical; the second human and horizontal.

Forgiveness originates in God’s character.  God is described as merciful, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.   At the same time, He is righteous, holy, and just with His wrath set against sin.  Hebrews 3:22 recalls the Old Testament law of cleansing and forgiveness: “The law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” 

Sin entered the world through man’s disobedience when he ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  God cannot simply overlook sin or pretend it didn’t happen.  Justice demands payment either by the sinner or a substitute.  Christ’s death on the cross satisfied divine justice, enabling God to forgive without compromising His righteousness. 

The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 1:7: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.“  Christ carried your sins on the cross, suffering the penalty in your place.  He purchased your forgiveness so you could receive His righteousness.  2 Corinthians 5:21 records this exchange: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  Your forgiveness cost Christ everything.

The Bible emphasizes that God’s forgiveness covers all sins – past, present, and future – for all those in Christ.  Colossians 2:13-14 proclaims: “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”   You are reassured of this in Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  The verdict is final; you are declared “not guilty”.  This means that when you turn to Christ in faith, your sins are completely forgiven, not because you deserve it, but because of God's immense grace and the sacrifice of His Son.

Having received this forgiveness through Christ, you are commanded to forgive those who have wronged you.  Ephesians 4:32 states: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  The Lord’s prayer links the two in Matthew 6:12: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”  Jesus teaches you to pray for forgiveness while acknowledging your obligation to forgive others.

This is not just a suggestion.  Matthew 6:14-15 declares it more explicitly and forcefully by quoting Jesus Himself: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”   This does not mean you earn God’s forgiveness by forgiving others.  However, your unwillingness to forgive others is evidence that you have not truly experienced God’s forgiveness.  You cannot extend the grace of forgiveness if you have not been transformed by it.

Scripture connects forgiveness with repentance.  Acts 2:38 declares: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  Repentance of sin precedes receiving forgiveness from God.  However, Luke 23:34 records Jesus on the cross praying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”   Christ is demonstrating a forgiving heart and attitude, refusing bitterness or revenge apart from the offender’s repentance.    This is the heart you are to maintain toward others.  This does not mean your forgiveness requires reconciliation.   Reconciliation requires the offender’s repentance.  This level of forgiveness is empowered by the Holy Spirit you received upon your repentance and baptism.

For clarification, let’s review some common misconceptions about forgiveness:

□   Forgiveness is not ignoring or minimizing sin;

□   Forgiveness is not the same as restoring trust;

□   Forgiveness is not forgetting;

□   Forgiveness is not enabling ongoing sin;

□   Forgiveness is not warm feelings toward the offender;

□   Forgiveness is not reconciliation without repentance.

Forgiveness is letting go of the right to revenge.  Romans 12:19 instructs: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”  Forgiveness means releasing your desire to settle the score and trusting God to handle justice rightly as only He can.

Forgiveness requires humility, sacrifice and often great pain.  Yet, forgiveness is freeing, leaving hurt and bitterness behind and opening yourself to healing and restored relationship.  More importantly, you reflect God’s heart and demonstrate the power of the Gospel.  You are overcoming sin through redeeming grace by the power of the Holy Spirit.  “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”  Matthew 5:7