There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding about forgiveness. Books have been written--articles, blog posts, theses. There's a lot to learn, but here's a tidbit regarding forgiveness that can't be received due to distance, death, or danger:
Becoming like Christ means walking in forgiveness.
Not just working through and giving forgiveness (see this article before you move too quickly), but receiving forgiveness. Jesus Christ lived a guilt-free life. He was sinless. He had no guilt until he took yours and mine upon that cross and suffered the wrath of the Father.
If you and I are going to grow in Christlikeness, we must accept and walk in righteousness. Not ours, His.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Embracing Christ's forgiveness, seeking and receiving other's forgiveness, frees me to walk a guilt-free life. I am responsible for my actions. I must walk in confession and repentance. But I am not to hold on to past sin--mine or others.
For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:13-14)
Walking in the Light means walking as Christ did--and He has made it possible through His death and resurrection. I have nothing to add by my regret, pouting, self-pity, desire to manipulate or control the outcome. I am simply called to walk in faith believing that God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. When all else fails, I accept forgiveness by faith.
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.(Hebrews 11:6)
Becoming like Christ means walking in forgiveness.
Not just working through and giving forgiveness (see this article before you move too quickly), but receiving forgiveness. Jesus Christ lived a guilt-free life. He was sinless. He had no guilt until he took yours and mine upon that cross and suffered the wrath of the Father.
If you and I are going to grow in Christlikeness, we must accept and walk in righteousness. Not ours, His.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Embracing Christ's forgiveness, seeking and receiving other's forgiveness, frees me to walk a guilt-free life. I am responsible for my actions. I must walk in confession and repentance. But I am not to hold on to past sin--mine or others.
For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:13-14)
Walking in the Light means walking as Christ did--and He has made it possible through His death and resurrection. I have nothing to add by my regret, pouting, self-pity, desire to manipulate or control the outcome. I am simply called to walk in faith believing that God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. When all else fails, I accept forgiveness by faith.
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.(Hebrews 11:6)
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