Is God's Forgiveness Unconditional?

This short devotion explains what Scripture says about Forgiveness. Don't be misled by false views.

Dear Christians, let's understand the conditions of forgiveness as clearly stated in the Bible.

Condition 1: We must be in Christ.

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" but "God’s wrath remains on" those who reject Christ (Romans 8:1; John 3:36).

Condition 2: We must forgive others.

"If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15

This truth is confirmed in the parable in Matthew 18:21-35: A king forgives his servant's huge debt. Later, that servant refuses to forgive another man's small debt. When the king hears, he throws the unmerciful servant in jail. Jesus concludes, “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” 

Condition 3: We must repent.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us." 1 John 1:9-10

But please listen carefully to this important truth:

Our forgiveness of others and our repentance don't "earn" our salvation. They prove our salvation. Genuine Christians sin, but we feel the conviction of God's Spirit and we respond. Our love for Jesus inspires us to repent (John 14:21; 1 John 3:6). 

This short devotion explains what Scripture says about Forgiveness. Don't be misled by false views.


Bible Love Notes

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