FORGIVENESS AND THE CHARACTER OF GOD
24/12/14 17:51
I’m sure your aware that the Bible works together as a whole. There is no point which contradict any other part. Contradiction typically comes between theology and Bible.
In Matthew 18:23, Y’shua is telling what the “Kingdom of Heaven is like”. He says that we are sinners owing a great debt to a perfect God. In our plea, God forgives our debt. We know it is at this point He also forgets. That, now “christian”, goes out and is not so merciful to other imperfect people. That “christian” is not as forgiving. Because that “christian” did not love his neighbor enough to forgive the the small debt, God chose to place the debt back on that person.
But then we have Isaiah 43:25. Since these look like they contradict each other, we need to look at similarities and difference in the two accounts.
What are the similarities? Both are referring to the forgiveness of God. When God forgives, He forgets (Jeremiah 31:34)
What are the differences? Y’shua was talking on an individual basis and YHWH was talking on a national basis. Also, Isaiah is giving us one part of the picture. While the people were not honoring God with the ceremonial rituals, we are not given a picture of un-forgiveness. We also have the fact that one account is in the Old Covenant and one in the Renewed Covenant; and, we know that those in the Renewed Covenant will be judged more harshly (Heb 10:28-29).
I don’t believe the forgiveness of God changes so I don’t believe the contradiction lies within the difference in Covenant. I tend to lean towards the difference in the two problems outlined at the point in which the forgiveness was being talked about.
It’s widely believed that God “CAN’T” remember the sins forgiven. While it seems great to think that God “can’t remember”, when I look at Matthew, I actually see a better, more awesome, character of YHWH explained by Christ. I see a God who CHOOSES not to remember. In His Mercy, He chooses to forgive; and, even though He can remember, He chooses not to remember. I see that as amazing.
On the other side of that grand picture, Y’shua shows us a God who can choose to remember if we don’t share His Mercy and Grace to those around us who we feel have done wrong to us. In that picture, we see the reality of the judgement of God.
Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Ephesians 4:32
And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has 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 you do.
Matthew 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
In Matthew 18:23, Y’shua is telling what the “Kingdom of Heaven is like”. He says that we are sinners owing a great debt to a perfect God. In our plea, God forgives our debt. We know it is at this point He also forgets. That, now “christian”, goes out and is not so merciful to other imperfect people. That “christian” is not as forgiving. Because that “christian” did not love his neighbor enough to forgive the the small debt, God chose to place the debt back on that person.
But then we have Isaiah 43:25. Since these look like they contradict each other, we need to look at similarities and difference in the two accounts.
What are the similarities? Both are referring to the forgiveness of God. When God forgives, He forgets (Jeremiah 31:34)
What are the differences? Y’shua was talking on an individual basis and YHWH was talking on a national basis. Also, Isaiah is giving us one part of the picture. While the people were not honoring God with the ceremonial rituals, we are not given a picture of un-forgiveness. We also have the fact that one account is in the Old Covenant and one in the Renewed Covenant; and, we know that those in the Renewed Covenant will be judged more harshly (Heb 10:28-29).
I don’t believe the forgiveness of God changes so I don’t believe the contradiction lies within the difference in Covenant. I tend to lean towards the difference in the two problems outlined at the point in which the forgiveness was being talked about.
It’s widely believed that God “CAN’T” remember the sins forgiven. While it seems great to think that God “can’t remember”, when I look at Matthew, I actually see a better, more awesome, character of YHWH explained by Christ. I see a God who CHOOSES not to remember. In His Mercy, He chooses to forgive; and, even though He can remember, He chooses not to remember. I see that as amazing.
On the other side of that grand picture, Y’shua shows us a God who can choose to remember if we don’t share His Mercy and Grace to those around us who we feel have done wrong to us. In that picture, we see the reality of the judgement of God.
Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Ephesians 4:32
And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has 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 you do.
Matthew 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
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