Forgiveness

What the Bible teaches about forgiveness — God's forgiveness toward us and our forgiveness toward others

126 verses · 39 books

This study examines what the Bible says about forgiveness—God's forgiveness toward us, and our forgiveness toward others. The study addresses three key questions:

  • Must all be forgiven? (Does Scripture command blanket forgiveness?)
  • Should we only forgive those who ask for forgiveness? (Conditional vs unconditional forgiveness)
  • Christian perspective toward different groups: Forgiveness toward people in general (unbelievers), toward other Christians, and toward fellow believers

The verses are organized thematically to let Scripture answer these questions directly.

I. THE FOUNDATION: GOD'S FORGIVENESS TOWARD US

A. God's Character — Ready and Willing to Forgive

Psalm 86:5

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Exodus 34:7

Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

Numbers 14:18

The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.

Nehemiah 9:17

And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

Micah 7:18

Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Psalm 130:4

But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

B. God Forgives When We Confess and Repent

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Numbers 14:19-20

Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Jeremiah 36:3

It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.

Jeremiah 33:8

And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me.

Jeremiah 50:20

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.

Acts 8:22

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

C. Forgiveness Through Sacrifice and Atonement (Old Testament)

Leviticus 4:20

And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.

Leviticus 4:26

And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 4:31

And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 4:35

And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 5:10

And he shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the manner: and the priest shall make an atonement for him for his sin which he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 5:13

And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him: and the remnant shall be the priest's, as a meat offering.

Leviticus 5:16

And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 5:18

And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist it not, and it shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 6:7

And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.

Leviticus 19:22

And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before the LORD for his sin which he hath done: and the sin which he hath done shall be forgiven him.

Numbers 15:25-26

And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance: And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance.

Numbers 15:28

And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.

Deuteronomy 21:8

Be merciful, O LORD, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them.

D. Forgiveness Through Christ's Blood (New Testament)

Ephesians 1:7

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Colossians 1:14

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Colossians 2:13

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Acts 5:31

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 13:38

Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Hebrews 2:17

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Romans 4:7

Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

1 John 2:12

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

E. Christ's Authority to Forgive Sins

Mark 2:5, 7, 9-10

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee... Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?... Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

Matthew 9:2, 5-6

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee... For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

Luke 5:20-21, 23-24

And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?... Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

Luke 7:47-49

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

Psalm 103:3

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

F. The Unforgivable Sin — Blasphemy Against the Holy Ghost

Matthew 12:31-32

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Mark 3:28-29

Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

Luke 12:10

And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

G. God's Forgiveness Is Not Automatic — Some Are NOT Pardoned

Joshua 24:19

And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.

Exodus 23:21

Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.

2 Kings 24:4

And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.

Lamentations 3:42

We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned.

Jeremiah 18:23

Yet, LORD, thou knowest all their counsel against me to slay me: forgive not their iniquity, neither blot out their sin from thy sight, but let them be overthrown before thee; deal thus with them in the time of thine anger.

Isaiah 2:9

And the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not.

II. CHRIST'S COMMANDS: WE MUST FORGIVE OTHERS

A. The Command to Forgive

Mark 11:25-26

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 6:12, 14-15

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors... For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Luke 6:37

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Luke 11:4

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

B. Forgive from the Heart — Not Just Words

Matthew 18:35

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

C. Be Kind and Forgiving — As God Forgave You

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Colossians 3:13

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

III. CONDITIONAL FORGIVENESS: REBUKE, REPENTANCE, THEN FORGIVENESS

A. Rebuke First, Then Forgive If They Repent

Luke 17:3-4

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

This passage shows conditional forgiveness — rebuke the brother, and IF he repents, forgive him. This applies specifically to "thy brother" (a fellow believer).

B. Go to Your Brother About His Sin

Matthew 18:15

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

This is the first step in church discipline among believers. The goal is restoration ("gained thy brother"), which includes forgiveness when repentance occurs.

IV. HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE FORGIVE?

A. Unlimited Forgiveness — Seventy Times Seven

Matthew 18:21-22

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Peter asked about forgiving "my brother" (a fellow believer). Christ's answer shows limitless willingness to forgive, not a literal count.

B. Seven Times in a Day — If Repentance Occurs

Luke 17:4

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Again, this is conditional ("saying, I repent"). We are commanded to forgive repeated repentance.

V. EXAMPLES OF FORGIVENESS IN SCRIPTURE

A. Christ's Forgiveness on the Cross

Luke 23:34

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Christ asked the Father to forgive those crucifying Him, citing their ignorance. This is Christ interceding, not a command that all must be automatically forgiven.

B. Joseph Forgiving His Brothers

Genesis 50:17

So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.

The brothers ASKED for forgiveness. They acknowledged their sin ("for they did unto thee evil"). Joseph forgave after they came in repentance.

C. Abigail Asking for Forgiveness

1 Samuel 25:28

I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days.

Abigail asked David to forgive the offense of her household (Nabal's foolishness). Forgiveness was requested, not assumed.

D. Stephen's Prayer at His Martyrdom

Acts 7:60

And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Stephen, like Christ, asked the Lord not to charge his murderers with this sin. He entrusted judgment to God, showing a forgiving spirit even toward those who did not repent.

VI. RECONCILIATION — RESTORING RELATIONSHIP

A. Be Reconciled Before Worship

Matthew 5:23-24

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

If you have wronged your brother, reconciliation must come first, before worship.

B. Reconciled to God Through Christ

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Romans 5:10

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Colossians 1:20-21

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

Ephesians 2:16

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

C. Marriage Reconciliation

1 Corinthians 7:11

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

Even in the case of separation, the goal is reconciliation, not divorce.

VII. ATTITUDES AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A. Comfort and Restore the Forgiven Person

2 Corinthians 2:7, 10

So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow... To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;

After church discipline and repentance, forgiveness must be followed by comfort and restoration.

B. Do Not Hold Grudges or Seek Revenge

Proverbs 18:19

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Unforgiveness creates barriers that are very hard to overcome. Forgiveness opens the door to restoration.

C. God's Judgment When We Refuse to Forgive

Matthew 18:23-35 (Parable of the Unforgiving Servant)

In this parable, a servant who was forgiven a massive debt refused to forgive a fellow servant a tiny debt. The master responded:

Matthew 18:32-35

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

This parable is about believers ("thy brother") refusing to forgive one another. God takes unforgiveness among His people very seriously.

D. Love: The Foundation of Forgiveness

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Love (charity) is the foundation that enables forgiveness. Key elements related to forgiveness: "thinketh no evil" means love does not keep a record of wrongs; "is not easily provoked" shows patience with those who wrong us; "beareth all things...endureth all things" includes bearing with offenses. This passage describes the heart attitude necessary for true forgiveness.

VIII. OFFENSES, STUMBLING BLOCKS, AND AVOIDING SIN

A. Woe to Those Who Cause Offenses

Matthew 18:6-7

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Luke 17:1-2

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

Mark 9:42

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

B. Deal Drastically with Personal Sin

Matthew 5:29-30

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Matthew 18:8-9

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Mark 9:43, 45, 47

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:... And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:... And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

This is hyperbolic language teaching that we must deal radically with our own sin. The issue is what causes US to sin, not what others do.

C. Avoid Causing Others to Stumble

Romans 14:20-21

For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

Romans 16:17

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

1 Corinthians 8:13

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

1 Corinthians 10:32

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

2 Corinthians 6:3

Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

Philippians 1:10

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

D. Do Not Be Easily Offended

Psalm 119:165

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Proverbs 19:11

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

IX. SPECIFIC PRAYERS FOR FORGIVENESS

A. Moses Interceding for Israel

Exodus 32:32

Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin-; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.

Exodus 34:9

And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.

B. Solomon's Prayer at the Temple Dedication

1 Kings 8:30

And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.

1 Kings 8:34

Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers.

1 Kings 8:36

Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.

1 Kings 8:39

Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

1 Kings 8:50

And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:

2 Chronicles 6:21, 25, 27, 30, 39

(Parallel passages in Chronicles repeating Solomon's requests for forgiveness for the people.)

C. Daniel's Prayer of Confession

Daniel 9:9

To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;

Daniel 9:19

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

D. David's Prayers

Psalm 25:11

For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

Psalm 25:18

Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.

E. Amos's Intercession

Amos 7:2

And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small.

F. Pharaoh's Request (Insincere)

Exodus 10:17

Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.

Pharaoh asked for forgiveness but did not truly repent — his heart remained hard.

X. HEALING AND FORGIVENESS CONNECTED

XI. ADDITIONAL RELATED PASSAGES

A. Conscience and Offense Toward God and Men

Acts 24:16

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

Paul's goal was to maintain a clear conscience before God and people, avoiding giving offense.

B. Offenses in the Last Days

Matthew 24:10

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

In the tribulation, many will be offended and turn against each other.

C. Special Vow Situations (Numbers 30)

Numbers 30:5, 8, 12

But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her... But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of none effect: and the LORD shall forgive her... But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard them; then whatsoever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: her husband hath made them void; and the LORD shall forgive her.

Special case where a woman's vow is nullified by her father or husband, and God forgives her breaking it because the authority over her nullified it.

XII. RECONCILIATION IN THE OLD TESTAMENT (CEREMONIAL)

- We ARE commanded to forgive those who wrong us (Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25-26; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).

- We must forgive from the heart (Matthew 18:35), not just with words.

- However, there are biblical examples of conditional forgiveness:

- Luke 17:3-4 — Rebuke your brother; IF he repents, forgive him. This applies to believers ("thy brother").

- Matthew 18:15 — Go to your brother about his fault. The goal is restoration, which includes forgiveness when repentance occurs.

- Even in these cases, the attitude of readiness to forgive must be present, but the granting of forgiveness is connected to repentance.

The Bible teaches that:

1. God's forgiveness toward us is based on Christ's sacrifice and our faith/repentance (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9).

2. We must forgive others as God forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). Our forgiveness from God is connected to our willingness to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15).

3. Forgiveness has two aspects:

- Internal attitude: Releasing bitterness, entrusting judgment to God, being ready to forgive (commanded for all situations).

- Relational reconciliation: Restoring relationship, which requires acknowledgment of sin and repentance from the offender (especially within the church).

4. Among believers, the pattern is clear: rebuke, repentance, forgiveness, restoration (Luke 17:3-4; Matthew 18:15-35).

5. Toward all people (believers or not), we must avoid bitterness, revenge, and holding grudges. We entrust justice to God and maintain a heart ready to forgive if repentance occurs.

6. God Himself does not forgive all people automatically. Some sins are not pardoned (Joshua 24:19; blasphemy against the Holy Ghost — Matthew 12:31-32). Forgiveness requires repentance and faith in Christ.

Question 1: Must All Be Forgiven?

Important distinction:

- Forgiveness as an ATTITUDE (releasing bitterness, entrusting justice to God, not seeking revenge) — this is commanded for all. - Forgiveness as FULL RECONCILIATION (restoring relationship) — this requires repentance and confession from the offender.

Question 2: Should We Only Forgive Those Who Ask for Forgiveness?

A. General commands to forgive:

- Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25 — Forgive when you pray, so that God forgives you. - Ephesians 4:32 — Forgive one another as God forgave you in Christ. - These passages emphasize the heart attitude of forgiveness and releasing bitterness.

B. Conditional forgiveness when dealing with a brother:

- Luke 17:3-4 — "IF thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and IF he repent, forgive him." - This shows that formal, relational forgiveness in the church context involves rebuke, repentance, then forgiveness. - Joseph's brothers ASKED for forgiveness (Genesis 50:17). - Abigail ASKED for forgiveness (1 Samuel 25:28).

The biblical balance seems to be:

- We must maintain a forgiving spirit toward all, releasing bitterness and entrusting judgment to God. - We must be ready to forgive anyone who repents (even "seventy times seven" — Matthew 18:22). - Full relational reconciliation requires confession and repentance from the offender.

Question 3: Christian Perspective Toward Different Groups

A. Forgiveness toward people in general (unbelievers):

- Christ's example: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). - Stephen's example: "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:60). - These are prayers entrusting judgment to God, not necessarily granting relational reconciliation to unrepentant sinners. - Christians must not seek personal revenge (Romans 12:19 — "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord"). - We are to release bitterness and pray for enemies (Matthew 5:44), but this does not mean pretending sin didn't happen or ignoring justice.

B. Forgiveness toward other Christians (fellow believers):

- The strongest commands to forgive are within the church (Matthew 18:15-35; Luke 17:3-4; 2 Corinthians 2:7, 10; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). - Believers are commanded to forgive "thy brother" repeatedly (Matthew 18:21-22 — seventy times seven). - Church discipline includes rebuke, and IF repentance occurs, forgiveness and restoration (Luke 17:3; 2 Corinthians 2:7). - Unforgiveness among believers brings God's judgment (Matthew 18:23-35 — parable of the unforgiving servant).

C. No separate category — "other Christians" vs "fellow believers":

- These are the same group. All true Christians are fellow believers in the body of Christ. - The commands apply to all who are in Christ, regardless of denomination or background.

Biblical Conclusions

Question 1: Must All Be Forgiven?

Scripture shows both commands to forgive AND boundaries:

  • We ARE commanded to forgive those who wrong us (Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25-26; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).
  • We must forgive from the heart (Matthew 18:35), not just with words.
  • However, there are biblical examples of conditional forgiveness:
    • Luke 17:3-4 — Rebuke your brother; IF he repents, forgive him. This applies to believers ("thy brother").
    • Matthew 18:15 — Go to your brother about his fault. The goal is restoration, which includes forgiveness when repentance occurs.
    • Even in these cases, the attitude of readiness to forgive must be present, but the granting of forgiveness is connected to repentance.

Important distinction:

  • Forgiveness as an ATTITUDE (releasing bitterness, entrusting justice to God, not seeking revenge) — this is commanded for all.
  • Forgiveness as FULL RECONCILIATION (restoring relationship) — this requires repentance and confession from the offender.

Question 2: Should We Only Forgive Those Who Ask for Forgiveness?

Scripture presents tension between two principles:

A. General commands to forgive:

  • Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25 — Forgive when you pray, so that God forgives you.
  • Ephesians 4:32 — Forgive one another as God forgave you in Christ.
  • These passages emphasize the heart attitude of forgiveness and releasing bitterness.

B. Conditional forgiveness when dealing with a brother:

  • Luke 17:3-4 — "IF thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and IF he repent, forgive him."
  • This shows that formal, relational forgiveness in the church context involves rebuke, repentance, then forgiveness.
  • Joseph's brothers ASKED for forgiveness (Genesis 50:17).
  • Abigail ASKED for forgiveness (1 Samuel 25:28).

The biblical balance seems to be:

  • We must maintain a forgiving spirit toward all, releasing bitterness and entrusting judgment to God.
  • We must be ready to forgive anyone who repents (even "seventy times seven" — Matthew 18:22).
  • Full relational reconciliation requires confession and repentance from the offender.

Question 3: Christian Perspective Toward Different Groups

A. Forgiveness toward people in general (unbelievers):

  • Christ's example: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
  • Stephen's example: "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:60).
  • These are prayers entrusting judgment to God, not necessarily granting relational reconciliation to unrepentant sinners.
  • Christians must not seek personal revenge (Romans 12:19 — "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord").
  • We are to release bitterness and pray for enemies (Matthew 5:44), but this does not mean pretending sin didn't happen or ignoring justice.

B. Forgiveness toward other Christians (fellow believers):

  • The strongest commands to forgive are within the church (Matthew 18:15-35; Luke 17:3-4; 2 Corinthians 2:7, 10; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).
  • Believers are commanded to forgive "thy brother" repeatedly (Matthew 18:21-22 — seventy times seven).
  • Church discipline includes rebuke, and IF repentance occurs, forgiveness and restoration (Luke 17:3; 2 Corinthians 2:7).
  • Unforgiveness among believers brings God's judgment (Matthew 18:23-35 — parable of the unforgiving servant).

Final Summary

The Bible teaches that:

  • God's forgiveness toward us is based on Christ's sacrifice and our faith/repentance (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9).
  • We must forgive others as God forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). Our forgiveness from God is connected to our willingness to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15).
  • Forgiveness has two aspects:
    • Internal attitude: Releasing bitterness, entrusting judgment to God, being ready to forgive (commanded for all situations).
    • Relational reconciliation: Restoring relationship, which requires acknowledgment of sin and repentance from the offender (especially within the church).
  • Among believers, the pattern is clear: rebuke, repentance, forgiveness, restoration (Luke 17:3-4; Matthew 18:15-35).
  • Toward all people (believers or not), we must avoid bitterness, revenge, and holding grudges. We entrust justice to God and maintain a heart ready to forgive if repentance occurs.
  • God Himself does not forgive all people automatically. Some sins are not pardoned (Joshua 24:19; blasphemy against the Holy Ghost — Matthew 12:31-32). Forgiveness requires repentance and faith in Christ.

The biblical model is not "forgive everyone unconditionally no matter what," nor is it "only forgive if they ask." It is: maintain a forgiving heart, release bitterness, be ready to forgive, and when repentance occurs (especially among believers), grant full forgiveness and restoration.