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. As Jesus proclaims, "For this is my blood of the New Testament 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; 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 "walk in the light" (obey) and "confess his sin" (repent when he disobeys) per 1 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 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 (1 Cor. 5). When the man repented, they were to forgive him (2 Cor. 2: 6-9). There must be a ‘spirit of forgiveness present", a willingness to forgive. However, actual forgiveness can only be scripturally extended to the sinner when the sinner repents and asks for forgiveness (Luke 23: 34, Acts 2:38-41).
Conclusion. The terms of forgiveness of sin reside with God. One can think and say 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; 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 "walk in the light" (obey) and "confess his sin" (repent when he disobeys) per 1 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 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 (1 Cor. 5). When the man repented, they were to forgive him (2 Cor. 2: 6-9). There must be a ‘spirit of forgiveness present", a willingness to forgive. However, actual forgiveness can only be scripturally extended to the sinner when the sinner repents and asks for forgiveness (Luke 23: 34, Acts 2:38-41).
Conclusion. The terms of forgiveness of sin reside with God. One can think and say 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.