Can you explain forgiveness?
Introduction. One commonly used Greek New Testament verb (aphiemi) which is translated forgiveness is defined as: "... to send forth, send away." Forgiveness is contingent on the blood of Christ. "For this is my blood of the New Testament," Jesus proclaims, "which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matt. 26: 28).
God's forgiveness of man's sins. Man's sins may be classified under two headings: The alien sinner and the erring child of God. God's forgiveness of the sins of those not his children (as they come to him in initial obedience) is Conditional. Belief, repentance, and baptism are said to be conditions of forgiveness (Acts 10: 43,2: 38, see Rom. 10: 9.10). The non-Christian "washes away his sins" in baptism; hence, it is in water baptism that contact is spiritually made with Jesus' blood (compare Acts 22: 16 and Matt. 26: 28). The child of God's experiencing forgiveness is also conditional. He must "confess his sin" and "walk in the light" (John 1: 7-9).
Man's forgiveness of man's sins. There is a basic similarity between God's forgiveness and man's forgiveness – both are conditional (Eph. 4 32). Observe, if you will, Jesus' teaching: ‘Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him" (Luke 17: 3). The church at Corinth was observed to "discipline" the fornicator (1Cor.5). When the man repented, they were to forgive him (2 Cor. 2: 6-9). There must be a ‘spirit of forgiveness present," however, actual forgiveness is only scripturally experienced when conditions are met (Luke 23: 34, Acts 2:38-41).
Conclusion. The terms of forgiveness of sin reside with God. One can say and think they have forgiveness, but unless God says they do, they do not (compare Rev. 3: 14-22). One may think they have man's forgiveness (personal offenses), but unless they have complied with God's terms, they do not.
God's forgiveness of man's sins. Man's sins may be classified under two headings: The alien sinner and the erring child of God. God's forgiveness of the sins of those not his children (as they come to him in initial obedience) is Conditional. Belief, repentance, and baptism are said to be conditions of forgiveness (Acts 10: 43,2: 38, see Rom. 10: 9.10). The non-Christian "washes away his sins" in baptism; hence, it is in water baptism that contact is spiritually made with Jesus' blood (compare Acts 22: 16 and Matt. 26: 28). The child of God's experiencing forgiveness is also conditional. He must "confess his sin" and "walk in the light" (John 1: 7-9).
Man's forgiveness of man's sins. There is a basic similarity between God's forgiveness and man's forgiveness – both are conditional (Eph. 4 32). Observe, if you will, Jesus' teaching: ‘Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him" (Luke 17: 3). The church at Corinth was observed to "discipline" the fornicator (1Cor.5). When the man repented, they were to forgive him (2 Cor. 2: 6-9). There must be a ‘spirit of forgiveness present," however, actual forgiveness is only scripturally experienced when conditions are met (Luke 23: 34, Acts 2:38-41).
Conclusion. The terms of forgiveness of sin reside with God. One can say and think they have forgiveness, but unless God says they do, they do not (compare Rev. 3: 14-22). One may think they have man's forgiveness (personal offenses), but unless they have complied with God's terms, they do not.