Basic Truths

                              Basic Truths about Forgiveness 

                                                  By Brian R. Kenyon

Some people wrongly equate “forgiveness” with “not holding a grudge.” Thus, they reason: Since Christians are “not to hold a grudge,” they must “forgive” others (no matter what). If they do not “forgive” others (no matter what), then they sin because that is “holding a grudge.” 

However, all “forgiveness” involves “not holding a grudge,” but not all “not holding a grudge” involves “forgiveness.” Christians are never to hold grudges against anyone. Although the English word “grudge” is not found in most English Bibles (except the KJV in Jas. 5:9, which is better translated “grumble,” NKJ, or “complain,” NAS), the idea certainly is found in Scripture. 

First, Jesus’ statement about anyone being “angry with his brother without a cause” teaches that Christians are not to hold grudges against others (Mt. 5:22). Second, the Lord’s desire that Christians avoid “malice,” which refers to hateful feelings toward others, teaches against holding grudges (Rom. 1:29; 1 Cor. 14:20; Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8; Titus 3:3; 1 Pet. 2:1). 

“Forgiveness” Defined Concerning its vocabulary, “forgiveness” can be studied in the New Testament primarily from two verbs and a noun. First, aphiemi (ἀφίημι) means to send forth; send away; to let go; permit; forgive. This letting go can refer to debts (Mt. 6:12; 18:27, 32) or to sins (Mt. 9:2, 5-6; 12:31-32; Lk. 23:34; Acts 8:22; Rom. 4:7; Jas. 5:15; 1 Jn. 1:9; 2:12). 

On the conditional nature of this forgiveness, Vine notes: “Human ‘forgiveness’ is to be strictly analogous to divine ‘forgiveness’ … If certain conditions are fulfilled, there is no limitations to Christ’s law of ‘forgiveness’ … The conditions are repentance and confession, Matt. 18:15-17; Luke 17:3” (251). 

Second, charizomai (χαρίζομαι) is a verb form of “grace” that fittingly means “to be shown a favor unconditionally” (Vine 251). This definition would apply to Jesus’ healing (Lk. 7:21) and delivering from a storm (Acts 27:24). The word is also used for forgiveness (Eph. 4:32; Col. 2:13; 3:13). However, it must be noted that the very concept of forgiveness is a gracious act of God (cf. Eph. 2:8-9), though God’s actual forgiving of sins is conditional (cf. Col. 2:13). 

Third, “forgiveness” as a noun (aphesis, ἄφεσις) denotes “‘a dismissal, release’ … it is used of remission of sins, and translated ‘forgiveness’ in Mark 3:29; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14, and in KJV of Acts 5:31; 13:38; 26:18” (Vine 251). Guy N. Woods notes that forgiveness is the acceptance of a relationship that existed before the sin occurred (cf. Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38), which would imply that both parties must willingly be involved in forgiveness (41). “Forgiveness” Conditions.

 There are unmistakable conditions that are connected with receiving God’s forgiveness. First, repentance and baptism are required. When those on Pentecost were convicted of their sins and asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?,” God answered, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized … for the remission [forgiveness, KJV] of sins” (Acts 2:36- 28). Someone might respond by citing passages where Jesus seemingly attached no conditions, likehen He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34). 

However, Jesus could not do anything against the Father’s will, including forgiving sins (cf. Mt. 20:23; Jn. 5:19, 30; 6:38). The conditions God the Father set were conditions by which Jesus was bound to forgive! Second, forgiving others is a condition for being forgiven (cf. Mt. 6:14-15). Forgiveness is reciprocal! Again, forgiveness is not the same as “not holding a grudge,” but it is conditional (Lk. 17:3-4). Jesus’ point was that if we do not forgive after people have repented, we will not be forgiven (cf. 2 Cor. 2:5-11). 

Conclusion 

If God’s forgiveness of sins were unconditional, then either everyone would be saved or God would have to show partiality. The relationship of God’s forgiveness of sins and Christians’ forgiveness of one another is summed up by Paul, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32). 

The way God forgave His people is how they are to forgive others. Did God forgive His people unconditionally? Then how can they forgive others unconditionally. Again, this does not justify holding grudges because forgiveness is not the same as “not holding a grudge.” May God’s people be ever vigilant to repent when they sin against God and one another (cf. Mt. 5:23-24; 18:15-17; Lk. 17:3-4).