Forgiveness in the Bible: Scriptural Teachings and Principles
Forgiveness in the Bible is presented as a divine prerogative and a human responsibility, deeply intertwined with God's mercy and the work of Christ [1, 4]. It is a central theme, encompassing both God's pardon of humanity's sins and the expectation for believers to forgive one another.
God's forgiveness is described as a free, ready, and abundant act [1, 3]. It is a constituent part of justification, where God absolves the sinner from the condemnation of the law, removing the guilt of sin and the liability to eternal wrath [1]. This divine act is made possible through the work of Christ [1]. The preaching of forgiveness of sins through Christ is a primary message of the Gospel [6, 7]. The Psalmist acknowledges, "But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared" (Psalm 130:4) [4]. Conviction of sin often precedes the experience of forgiveness, which is considered a gift from God [10]. When God forgives, sin is "taken away" or "covered," meaning God no longer regards it [12].
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of human forgiveness. Christ set an example of forgiveness, even praying for those who crucified him (Luke 23:34) [2]. Believers are commanded to forgive others, with Jesus teaching that forgiveness should be unlimited (Matthew 18:22; Luke 17:4) [2]. This includes forgiving injuries and showing forbearance [2, 8]. The Apostle Paul writes, "If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him" (2 Corinthians 2:10, 8). Forgiving others is presented as a characteristic of saints and a reflection of a repentant heart [2, 9]. Those who have experienced God's forgiveness are expected to forgive others, as it demonstrates an understanding of God's mercy [9, 11]. Conversely, a refusal to forgive others can indicate a lack of true repentance or a failure to grasp God's mercy [9]. The New Testament connects forgiving others with receiving forgiveness from God, as seen in passages like Matthew 6:14-15 and Mark 11:25 [2]. The absence of forgiveness towards others can hinder one's own forgiveness [2].
Forgiveness is distinct from mere pardon. While pardon is an act of a sovereign remitting penalty, justification, which includes forgiveness, is an act of a judge that also grants a title to rewards and blessings [3]. The principles of mercy and truth are seen as instrumental in procuring pardon and inclining individuals to depart from evil [5].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Forgiveness of sin — One of the constituent parts of justification. In pardoning sin, God absolves the sinner from the condemnation of the law, and that on account of the work of Christ, i.e., he removes the guilt of sin, or the sinner's actual liability to eternal wrath on account of it. All sins are forgiven freely (Acts 5:31; 13:38; 1 John 1:6-9). The sinner is by this act of grace for ever freed from the guilt and penalty of his sins. This is the peculiar prerogative of God (Ps. 130:4; Mark 2:5). It is offered to all in the gospel. (See [219]JUSTIFICATION.)”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Forgiveness of Injuries — Christ set an example of -- Lu 23:34. Commanded -- Mr 11:25; Ro 12:19. To be unlimited -- Mt 18:22; Lu 17:4. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 7:4. Motives to The mercy of God. -- Lu 6:36. Our need of forgiveness. -- Mr 11:25. God's forgiveness of us. -- Eph 4:32. Christ's forgiveness of us. -- Col 3:13. A glory to saints -- Pr 19:11. Should be accompanied by Forbearance. -- Col 3:13. Kindness. -- Ge 45:5-11; Ro 12:20. Blessing and prayer. -- Mt 5:44. Promises to -- Mt 6:14; Lu 6:37. No forgiveness without -- Mt 6:15; Jas 2:13. Illustrated --”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Pardon — The forgiveness of sins granted freely (Isa. 43:25), readily (Neh. 9:17; Ps. 86:5), abundantly (Isa. 55:7; Rom. 5:20). Pardon is an act of a sovereign, in pure sovereignty, granting simply a remission of the penalty due to sin, but securing neither honour nor reward to the pardoned. Justification (q.v.), on the other hand, is the act of a judge, and not of a sovereign, and includes pardon and, at the same time, a title to all the rewards and blessings promised in the covenant of life.”
- Psalms “But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared. -- Psalms 130:4”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 16:6: By mercy and truth--that is, God's (Psa 85:10); He effects the atonement, or covering of sin; and the principles of true piety incline men to depart from evil; or, "mercy" and "truth" may be man's, indicative of the gracious tempers which work instrumentally in procuring pardon. purged--expiated (as in Lev 16:33; Isa 27:9, Hebrew).”
- Acts (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Acts 13:35: Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren,.... The apostle having discoursed concerning the incarnation of Christ, his death and resurrection, proceeds to take notice of some particular benefits and blessings of grace arising from thence, which are published and made known to the sons of men in the everlasting Gospel, as were now to the Jews by Paul and Barnabas; such as forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ, and justification by his righteousness; the former of them is mentioned in this verse, the latter in the next: that through this man is preach”
- Acts (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Acts 13:38: the forgiveness of sins--the first necessity of the sinner, and so the first experienced blessing of the Gospel.”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 10:12: strifes--or, "litigations." covereth--by forgiveness and forbearance.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:12: 6:12 as we have forgiven (see also 6:14-15; 18:21-35): Forgiving others is a reflection of a repentant, regenerate heart, which makes our own forgiveness possible. Those who have experienced God’s forgiveness will forgive. Jesus implies that those who are unwilling to forgive have not perceived God’s mercy, and perhaps have never truly repented.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 51:3: For . . . before me--Conviction precedes forgiveness; and, as a gift of God, is a plea for it (Sa2 12:13; Psa 32:5; Jo1 1:9).”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:32: 4:32 Forgiving fellow believers is a natural and good response to experiencing God’s forgiving grace in Christ (cp. Col 3:12-13; 1 Jn 4:19).”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 32 (introduction): Maschil--literally, "giving instruction." The Psalmist describes the blessings of His forgiveness, succeeding the pains of conviction, and deduces from his own experience instruction and exhortation to others. (Psa 32:1-11) (Compare Rom 4:6). forgiven--literally, "taken away," opposed to retain (Joh 20:23). covered--so that God no longer regards the sin (Psa 85:3).”