Rom. 12:17-21, Forgiveness vs. rejection (4)

ii)      Christ is our “example” in forgiveness.  How much did Christ forgive those who believe in Him?  Col. 2:13 says he has “forgiven you all trespasses.”  The basis for this is that He fulfilled all the righteous demands of the law.  That’s what v14 says.  The “handwriting of requirements” is the law.  It is “against us,” being the basis on which we are convicted as sinners.  Understanding this can be helpful in being forgiving in our relationships.  What we need to do is to remove the basis of our judgment of those who have offended us.  Remember: Jesus fulfilled the “righteous demands” of the law (Rom. 8:3-4).  There was nothing wrong with the judgment.  We may be “legally right” in our accusation but in forgiveness we remove the accusation.

iii)   The OT also contains this pattern.  In Lev. 4:20,26. on the day of atonement, the priest makes atonement for the people and the result is that they are forgiven.  “Atonement” means to “cover,” as Noah covered the ark with pitch (same word, Gen. 6:14).  So Christ has covered our sin; it can no longer be seen.  Again, this is how we need to address forgiveness.

d)    In Matt. 18:35, what does it mean to “forgive from the heart?”  Of course, it means that the forgiveness is not mere words.  Our attitude toward the person must exhibit forgiveness, not bitterness or anger or rejection.  We must be sincere.  And before you tell me how hard that is, remember we not only have an example of forgiveness in Christ; we have the indwelling Spirit to help us.  Perhaps this is a good time to interject my favorite Scripture passage on treating those who oppose us, or have opposed us: Rom. 12:17-21.  Among other things, it tells us to do good, need-meeting things for our enemy.  We need to ask the Lord to give us loving, creative ways to show forgiveness.

e)    We have been talking about how to forgive.  We should also talk about how to receive this forgiveness.  There are two conditions, both of which are mentioned in Prov. 28:13: He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.  This word “cover” means to hide something.  The one who has sinned best receives forgiveness by acknowledging his sin (confessing, agreeing with God that it is sin, 1 Jn. 1:9) and repenting (forsaking, letting go of or abandoning the sin, Acts 2:38) of the sin.  It is not that God will not forgive repeated sin.  But it can be difficult for the sinner to accept that forgiveness.

      i)  On this matter, we should note Matt. 18:15-17, where Jesus teaches about reproving a brother in Christ.  When a brother will not acknowledge his sin, and the sin cannot be overlooked (many sins can), then out of love we are called on to reprove him and encourage his repentance.