FORGIVENESS

INTRODUCTION:

God created man into His own image so that man may be like him in nature. But, because of sin man could not attain the true image and nature of God until Christ Jesus came who revealed the true image and nature of God.

A. God in his nature delights in forgiving sinners when truly repent. Dan. 9:9; Neh. 9:17.

1.         The forgiveness of God is full and perfect:

v  He removes our transgressions far from us – Psalm 103:12

v  He blots out our sins – Isa. 43:25

v  He casts our sin into the depths of the sea – Micah 7:18-19

v  He forgive all our trespasses – Col. 2:13

v  He forgive all our sins and all our unrighteousness – I Jn. 1:9

v  He remembers sins no more – Jer. 31:34; Heb. 8:12

B.         CHRISTIAN MUST ALSO FORGIVE OTHERS:

1.         Reason for forgiving others

            (1) Because of the mercy of God – Luke 6:36-37

            (2)So that we also may enjoy forgiveness – Mk. 11:25-26; Matt. 6:14-15

            (3)Because this is God’s will – Eph. 4:32; Cal. 3:12-13; Matt 18:21-35

            (4) It is the glory of a man – Prov. 19:11

2.         Forgiveness must be:

            (1)        With forbearance – Col. 3:13

            (2)        With mercy – Gen. 45:5-11; Rom. 12:20

            (3)        With love and prayer – Matt.             5:44

            (4)        Often – Matt. 18:22

            (5)        An essential ingredient of prayer – Mk. 11:25

3.         Examples of those that forgives:

            (1)        Joseph – Gen. 50:20-21

            (2)        Stephen – Acts 7:60

            (3)        Christ – Lk. 23:34; I Pet. 2:20-23

            (4)        Paul – II Tim. 4:16

            (5)        Father of the prodigal son – Lk. 15:11-32