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Forgiveness in the Bible is a “release” or a “dismissal” of something. The forgiveness we have in Christ involves the release of sinners from God’s just penalty and the complete dismissal of all charges against us. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, whodo not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” Romans 8:1 (NKJV). The Word says, the cancellation or pardon of our sins or sins’ penalty comes from Christ. “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” Colossians 1:13-14 (NKJV). Forgiveness may seem like weakness or letting an undeserving person win, but it has no connection to weakness or even to emotions. Instead, forgiveness is an act of the will, in which forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven. No one deserves to be forgiven, however, forgive-ness is a deliberate act of love, mercy, and grace.
Forgiveness is a decision to not hold something against another person, despite what he or she has done to you. In light of our new beginning, God commands that in return, we forgive others and extend grace as we have been shown grace. It can be one of the hardest things we face in life! The pain and hurt others cause us is real and great. But, the pain of living with bitterness and unforgiveness can poison your soul and destroy you. When we forgive others, we are not saying what they did was acceptable, but we are releasing them to God and letting go of it’s hold on us. Forgiveness may seem like weakness or letting an undeserving person win, but it has no connection to weakness or even to emotions. Instead, forgiveness is an act of the will. Forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven. No one deserves to be forgiven. Forgiveness is a deliberate act of love, mercy, and grace. Forgiveness is a decision to not hold something against another person, despite what he or she has done to you. Forgiveness is an integral part of salvation. When Jesus forgives us, our sins, trespasses, iniquities, and transgressions are erased, wiped off the record. Forgiveness of sin is comparable to financial debt being erased.
When Jesus said, “It is finished,” from the cross, He was literally saying, “It is paid in full” (tetelestai in Greek). “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit” John 19:30 (NKJV). Jesus took the punishment we deserved, so, when God forgives us of our sins, we are free; we no longer live under that debt. Our sins are wiped out. God will never hold that sin against us. “As far as the east is from the west,So far has He removed our transgressions from us”Psalm 103:12(NKJV).It is impossible to have salvation without forgive-ness. Salvation is God’s deliverance from the consequences of sin. God’s salvation in Christ is the ultimate example of forgiveness. Have you accepted forgiveness from God? It is impossible to have salvation without forgiveness.
Salvation is God’s deliverance from the consequences of sin. God’s salvation in Christ is the ultimate example of forgiveness. Have you accepted forgiveness from God? What is forgive-ness of others?Forgiveness is also an essential part of the life of believers. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV). The key in both passages is that we are to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Why do we forgive? “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 (NKJV). Because we have been forgiven!The Bible tells us that we are to forgive those who sin against us. We keep no record of wrongs but forgive as many times as necessary. “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things”1 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV).
“Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven”Matthew 18:21–22(NKJV). Refusing to forgive a person demonstrates resentment, bitterness, and anger, none of which are the traits of a growing Christian.God promises that, when we come to Him confessing our sin and asking for forgiveness, He freely grants it for the sake of Christ. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9 (NKJV). Likewise, the forgiveness we extend to others should know no limits. “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him Luke 17:3–4 (NKJV).