Biblical Doctrine of Forgiveness

Tod Kennedy, October 24, 2007

1.      What does forgive mean?

1.1.           To grant pardon and to stop blaming someone, to no longer hold guilty.

2.      Who has the authority to forgive?

2.1.           God

2.2.           Scripture: Matthew 9:2-6; Mark 2:5-10; Luke 5:20-24; James 5:15; 1 John 1:9; 1 John 2:2.

3.      Who appreciates forgiveness the most?

3.1.           The one who realizes he has been forgiven much.

3.2.           Scripture: Luke 7:36-48.

4.      What is the basis for real forgiveness?

4.1.           The substitutionary sacrifice of one who takes the punishment for another—Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

4.2.           Scripture: Acts 5:31; Acts 13:38; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:11-14 and 26-28.

5.      How often should one forgive others?

5.1.           As often as one sins against me.

5.2.           Scripture: Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 17:3-4; Ephesians 4:32.

6.      What is required for judicial forgiveness?

6.1.           Faith in Jesus Christ, the lamb of God, who was judged in our place.

6.2.           Scripture: Acts 10:43.

7.      Whom do we forgive and when?

7.1.           Believers who have sinned against us and when ever needed.

7.2.           Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:7, 10; 2 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13.

8.      Illustrations of forgiveness.

8.1.           Old Testament.

8.1.1.     Joseph forgave his brothers (Genesis 50:17-21).

8.1.2.     God forgave David (Psalm 32:5).

8.2.           New Testament.

8.2.1.     Paul and the church forgave the sinner brother in Corinth (2 Corinthians 2:1-11).

8.2.2.     Jesus forgave the prostitute (Luke 7:36-48).

8.2.3.     God forgives believers (1 John 1:9).

9.      Who will not be forgiven?

9.1.           Those who rejected Jesus the Messiah during his ministry on earth. They slandered the Holy Spirit him by saying that Satan produced the miracles through Jesus and not the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32; Mark 3:28-29; Luke 12:10).

9.2.           Those disciples who refused to forgive others (Matthew 6:15)

10.  What happens to believers who will not forgive others?

10.1.       God disciplines them (Matthew 18:35).