According to the law of God, the consequence of sin is death, which results in eternal damnation for all souls. However, out of His boundless love, God made a decision to fulfill His law in order to rescue us from this fate. It is important to note that God did not manipulate or nullify His law; instead, He accomplished it by placing the burden of people’s sins upon His Son, Jesus, who was then sacrificed on the cross as an atonement for the transgressions of mankind. Through Jesus’ obedience to His Father’s will, He triumphed over death and rose again, thereby offering the hope of eternal life.
Jesus Paid it All
The shedding of Jesus’ blood on the cross serves as a cleansing power, wiping away the guilt of sin for all those who confess their wrongdoings. It is crucial to clarify a common misconception: when we say that Jesus paid our debts in full, it does not mean that He paid off the devil in order to free us from the clutches of death. The devil does not possess the authority to establish the law; it is God who holds that power. Therefore, Jesus settled our debts with His Father, fulfilling the requirements of the law formulated by Him.
Who can forgive Sins?
When individuals presented a paralysed man to Jesus with the anticipation of a physical remedy, Jesus instead declared a spiritual healing upon the paralysed individual, uttering the words, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” This statement made by Jesus as recorded by Mark can be found in the following verse.
Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
Mark 2:9-10 (NIV)
This is the answer Jesus provided to the individuals who struggled to comprehend the idea of forgiving sins. These individuals acknowledged that only God has the authority to absolve our sins. While they were correct regarding the concept of forgiveness, they struggled to accept Jesus as the Son of God.
Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Mark 2:6 (NIV)
Later, while fulfilling His Father’s will with complete obedience, Jesus, in His infinite love and mercy, chose to identify with us by taking upon Himself our sins. In this profound act, Jesus humbly relinquished the authority of His divine Sonship, fully embracing the weight of the sins of the entire world. It is important to understand that Jesus did not assert His power to forgive sins directly, but instead, He set an example for us by fervently praying to His Father, who alone possesses the ultimate authority to forgive. This demonstration highlights the truth that the power of forgiveness resides solely in the hands of God, and no one else can absolve us of our sins. It is through repentance and faith in God’s mercy and grace that we can find true forgiveness and reconciliation.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Luke 13:34 (NIV)
Unforgiveness Instills Fear
The resurrected Jesus encountered His disciples and bestowed upon them the authority to forgive others. Jesus did so because they were tormented by the crucifixion of Jesus and struggled to fight the fear of being killed by the people who crucified Jesus. Forgiveness is essential in order for us to find inner peace and healing. When we hold onto resentment and refuse to forgive, fear takes hold of our hearts. Therefore, Jesus granted His disciples the power to forgive even His own executioners, liberating them from the clutches of fear.
And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
John 20:22 (NIV)
Despite being granted the authority to grant forgiveness, the disciples found themselves overcome with fear and unable to fulfill their duty of spreading the Gospel. One possible reason for their hesitation could be their reluctance to forgive those who were responsible for Jesus’ death. Additionally, their inability to fully accept and embrace the reality of Jesus’ resurrection may have hindered their ability to move past the past and focus on the transformative power of God’s mighty deeds. The resurrection of Jesus stands as a testament to God’s triumph over the darkness of this world, offering a message of love and redemption to all of humanity.
How To Forgive Others?
When Jesus was instructing His disciples on prayer, He emphasized the importance of seeking forgiveness from God for their own sins. Alongside this, He also encouraged them to express to God their decisions to forgive those who have wronged them. Although the ultimate power of forgiveness lies with God, it can be challenging for us to extend forgiveness to those who have harmed us.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
In another instance, Jesus stresses the significance of resolving conflicts with our fellow brothers and sisters before presenting our offerings to God. This teaching has frequently been misconstrued, resulting in challenges in the process of forgiveness between individuals involved in wrongdoing, whether they are at fault or not. It seems that God expects us to approach those who have wronged us or those whom we have wronged, seeking reconciliation, before we can offer our gifts to Him. But in the real sense, God expects us to come to Him.
God does not desire anything from us when our hearts are in a state of turmoil. In these moments, Jesus graciously assists us in releasing the chaos within, in order to fill our hearts with His peace, before accepting our offerings. Should any challenges arise, it is our privilege to approach God and seek His intervention, rather than relying solely on our own abilities to resolve them.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Regrettably, there are instances where individuals find fault with servants of God who have not made amends with those who have wronged them, yet continue to serve God. People expect outward gestures of reconciliation, but they fail to see the bond between God and the servant of God who fervently prays for the salvation of their enemies, keeping them at a distance. When we do not know an individual’s integrity with God, there arises a question: Can a person, who has been wronged to the point of damage to their reputation and estrangement from their social circle, truly forgive? Oftentimes, instead of forgiveness, angry outbursts may ensue.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21 (NIV)
Likewise, if someone who has caused tremendous harm in our lives were to approach us seeking forgiveness, it might be a monumental challenge for us to grant it. However, religious norms dictate that forgiveness be expressed through words and outward gestures, yet the anger and resentment remain deeply embedded within our hearts indefinitely.
It is evident that genuine forgiveness encompasses more than mere words spoken out of tradition. It requires a genuine inner transformation and healing that may take time and effort. Only then can true forgiveness be achieved, allowing for the restoration of relationships and the release of deep-rooted fear, anger and hurt.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8
Forgiveness Looks After The Needs Of The Offender
Our faults can be amended and misunderstandings can be amicably settled, but sins cannot be resolved solely within ourselves. Whatever wrongs we commit against each other, whether they are small mistakes or big, they are sins against God. They involve God, as we sin against Him. It is important to remember that only God has the power to forgive, a power that none of us possess. The act of forgiveness is always intertwined with the boundless and unconditional love of God.
Hence, it is essential to seek God’s forgiveness for those who have wronged us, rather than resorting to insincere confessions made before clergy or other peacemakers. In the presence of clergy, we may conceal our true feelings and maintain a facade of friendliness with the offender. However, when we approach God, we cannot hide anything in our hearts as we seek His mercy and pardon for those who have hurt us.
While God holds the power to forgive, in His infinite mercy, He has instilled love within us to earnestly pray for their forgiveness and extend kindness to them through our actions. Superficial forgiveness merely pays lip service, whereas genuine forgiveness creates opportunities to selflessly support them in various ways.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Romans 12:20 (NIV)
God Involves Us In Forgiving Sinners
God did not forgive the sins of Job’s four friends initially, but He granted them forgiveness after Job fervently prayed for their repentance and forgiveness. This powerful example demonstrates that when we truly desire to forgive our offenders, we should lift up prayers to God for their well-being and ultimate salvation. Through prayer, we can find the strength and grace to extend forgiveness, mirroring God’s mercy and love.
Maintaining love and kindness towards our offenders is crucial, even if direct contact is not mandatory. Our loving God, who also loves our enemies, empowers us to navigate these challenging situations with grace and compassion.
God graciously sets a table before us, even in the presence of our adversaries, inviting us to partake in His forgiveness. When faced with this table, we can view it as a triumph over our enemies or as an occasion to extend to them an invitation to experience God’s forgiveness. May the anointing of God overflow and saturate our enemies with His love.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 23:5 (NIV)
The Jordan Valley 
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