What is forgiveness?

Answer

Forgiveness in the Bible is a “release” or a “dismissal” of something. The forgiveness we have in Christ involves releasing sinners from God’s just penalty and completely dismissing all charges against us (see Romans 8:1). Colossians 1:14 states that in God’s beloved Son “we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” The Amplified Bible translates the last phrase as: “the forgiveness of our sins [and the cancellation of sins’ penalty].” God’s gracious forgiveness of our sin should be the measure of our gracious forgiveness of others «and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.», (Ephesians 4:32).

To some people, forgiveness may seem like weakness or letting an undeserving person win, but it has no connection to weakness or even emotions. Instead, forgiveness is an act of the will. Forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves it. No one deserves forgiveness. Forgiveness is a deliberate act of love, mercy, and grace. Forgiveness is a decision to not hold something against another person, regardless of what he or she has done to you.

What is forgiveness in relation to salvation?

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 similar to having a financial debt erased. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” from the cross «When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. », (John 19:30), He was essentially saying, “It is paid in full” (tetelestai in Greek). Jesus took the punishment we deserved, so when God forgives us, it is a complete pardon.From our sins, we are liberated; we no longer live under that burden. Our sins are erased. God will never hold that sin against us «As far as the east is from the west, So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.», (Psalm 103:12).

Salvation without forgiveness is impossible. Salvation is God’s rescue from the repercussions of sin. God’s salvation in Christ is the supreme illustration of extending forgiveness. God’s forgiveness must be embraced through repentance and faith. Have you embraced forgiveness from God?

What does forgiveness of others entail?

Forgiveness is also a crucial aspect of believers’ lives. Ephesians 4:32 commands, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Similarly, Colossians 3:13 states, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” The essence in both passages is that we are to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Why do we forgive? Because we have received forgiveness!

The Bible instructs us to forgive those who wrong us. We do not keep a record of wrongs «doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;», (1 Corinthians 13:5) but forgive as many times as needed (Matthew 18:21-22). Refusing to forgive a person shows resentment, bitterness, and anger, none of which are characteristics of a maturing Christian. Biblically, forgiveness is not solely an offering from the offended person; it necessitates the offender’s acceptance, leading to reconciliation in the relationship.

God assures that when we confess our sin to Him and seek forgiveness, He freely grants it for the sake of Christ «If wWe confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Likewise, the forgiveness we extend to others should know no limits (Luke 17:3-4).