Matthew 5:21-26,43-48, Forgiveness vs. rejection (2)

There are many stories of forgiveness in Scripture.  We chose three illustrations.  2 Sam. 1 17-24 is the “Song of the Bow” written and sung by David about King Saul after Saul and his sons were killed on Mt. Gilboa.  What it reveals is David’s attitude of forgiveness toward Saul.  Matt. 18:21-35 is the “Parable of the Unforgiving Servant,” Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness when Peter asked Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”  John 8:1-11 is Jesus’ forgiveness extended to the woman caught in adultery.

1)    Bible Study

a)    Just how important is it that we forgive others when they have offended us?  In these passages are truths that tell us the value of forgiveness.

i)      Prov. 19:11: Forgiveness honors a man.  Revenge or rejection might feel good at the time but anyone can do that.  People admire the man who exercises discretion and overlooks the offenses of others.

ii)   Matt. 6:12,14-15; 18:35: In Christ’s kingdom, God does not forgive those who are unwilling to forgive others. 

This is a difficult doctrine.  Did Jesus say (yesterday’s reading of the “Parable of the Unforgiving Servant” is at the center of this) that God grants forgiveness, but then withdraws it?  Or is Jesus saying that the one who claims to be forgiven by God but refuses to forgive others has not truly been forgiven by God?  Or again, is Jesus saying that the one who has been forgiven by God but will not forgive others will not experience the freedom and joy of his forgiveness?  Of these 3 views, to me the middle one is the only one that fits the Scripture.  One who has been justified by faith in Christ will be glorified (Rom. 8:30); the idea of losing salvation denies what salvation has brought about in Christ.  The third idea, that the unforgiving servant lost the joy of forgiveness, is not what Jesus said.  The middle view makes sense.  If one has truly experienced the forgiveness of God in Christ, how can he not grant forgiveness to others?  Here is a quote from Matthew Henry on that position:

We are not to suppose that God actually forgives men, and afterwards reckons their guilt to them to condemn them; but this latter part of the parable shows the false conclusions many draw as to their sins being pardoned, though their after-conduct shows that they never entered into the spirit, or experienced the sanctifying grace of the gospel.

        iii)      Matt. 5:23-24: Forgiveness opens the door for worship.  We have no fellowship with God if                    we foster broken relationships with people.