CHRISTIAN FAMILY FELLOWSHIP, PDO MUSCAT
TOPIC: FORGIVENESS
Introduction:
Forgiveness is the act of excusing or pardoning another in spite of his slights, shortcomings, and errors. It also means to cease to resent. In our study today we shall discuss forgiveness as a theological term (referring to God’s pardon of the sins of human beings), and how it relates to us as Christians.
Texts: Gen. 45:5-15; Num. 12:1-13, Luk 23:34; Acts 10:43
God’s example (theology): Sin deserves divine punishment because it is a violation of God’s holy character (Gen. 2:17; Ezek 18:4 Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Pet. 1:16), but His pardon is gracious (Ps. 130:4; Rom. 5:6-8). No religious book except the Bible teaches that God completely forgives sin (Ps. 51:1,9; Is. 38:17; Heb. 10:17). The initiative comes from Him (John 3:16; Col. 2:13) because He is ready to forgive (Luke 15:11-32). He is a God of grace and pardon (Neh. 9:17; Dan. 9:9). Forgiveness of God is complete (Lk 7:47, Ps 103: 3, Ccl 2:13). ‘We have’ is a present possession (Eph 1:7, 1 Jn 2:12)
Channel of Forgiveness:
Forgiveness in the New Testament is directly linked to Christ (Acts 5:31; Ccl. 1:14), His sacrificial death on the cross (Rom. 4:24), and His resurrection (2 Cor. 5:15). He was the morally perfect sacrifice (Rom. 8:3), the final and ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament sacrifices (Heb. 9:11-10:18). Since He bore the law’s death penalty against sinners (Gal. 3:10-13), those who trust in His sacrifice are freed from that penalty. Christ has the authority to forgive sin (Acts 13:3 8, 5:31). Forgiveness cannot be found in any church, sacrament or ordinance but in christ alone.
God’s Conditions of Forgiveness:
A life must be taken as a substitute for that of the sinner (Lev 17:11,14. Heb 19:22).).
1. Repentance: the sinner must come to God’s sacrifice in a spirit of repentance (Acts 2:3 8, Mark
1:4;)
2. Faith: By faith sinners are forgiven--" justified" in Paul’s terminology (Rem. 3:28; Acts 10:43, James 5:15, Gal. 3:8-9). Those who are forgiven sin’s penalty also die to its controlling power in their lives (Rem. 6:1-23). Lk 7:50.
3. Confession: I Jn 1:9.
4. Forgiving others: (Mat 5:23-24, mat 6:15)
Foundation of Forgiveness:
1. It is bestowed on the ground of compassion (Ps 78:38)
2. It is bestowed on the ground of divine justice (I Jn 1:9)
3. It is bestowed on the basis of the blood of Jesus (Eph 1:7). By blood means on the cross, he shed his blood as a ransom and complete payment for our eternal redemption.
Questions:
1. Can you give examples of people in the Bible who showed forgiveness? Narrate the story and give
some learning points.
2. Why must we forgive?
3. Are there instances where forgiveness should not be given? a. By God b. by man
4. How often should we forgive.
5. What are the practical barriers to forgiveness, and how can we overcome them?
6. What are the steps to follow in forgiving others?
Conclusion:
Has someone ever hurt you so deeply that you found it difficult to forgive? Have you ever knowingly or unknowingly offended another person? Heb 12:14 "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"