Part 2 - The Definition for Forgiveness

Should Include Both Sides of the Transaction

If you haven't yet read it go back to part 1 (of 6).

Please continue reading this study on Biblical Forgiveness ... but, if you are in a hurry, here is a quick summary. (Opens in new window.) When you see the importance of it, you may want to return later to read the full study or add your own comments/questions or see what others have written. (Opens in new window.)

First, consider these verses:

"But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, And refused to obey ... but thou art a God ready to pardon ..." (Neh 9:16-17)

In this passage, has God's forgiveness already been given to them? No, He is "ready to pardon" - like He is about to do it. That means, at the point of writing, He hadn't done it yet. Perhaps He was waiting for them to do something.

What is commonly understood to happen before God administers forgiveness? - repentance, confession. Then God's forgiveness will be granted; He will pardon and bless.

"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (Rom 2:4)

goodness of God then confession/repentance

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

confession then forgiveness

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom 5:8)

These verses suggest that God loved the world before He gave His son to die for it which suggests no precondition.

So which is it? Does He love us but not forgive us? Does He forgive us only as we meet conditions? And if He has not forgiven us what is His attitude toward us? Does God's attitude toward us change when we sin? Do we need to pray earnestly so that God will change His attitude towards us; so that He will no longer, ignore, reject or punish us and so He will forgive us?

In looking at just a few scriptures to help come up with a definition for forgiveness we have seen seemingly contradictory statements that could be used in a definition of forgiveness. These verses have caused debate and misunderstanding. We know that the word of God does not really contradict itself so let's take a look at some of these apparent contradictions, explore the meaning of forgiveness and see if we can understand this topic better. The benefits may be not only a better understanding of the subject but also a clearer conscience and a better appreciation of the plan of God and of His great love for us.

The Bible actually talks about two related-but-different events or processes when using the word forgiveness. We will see that forgiveness in the Bible is actually translated from several different original Hebrew and Greek words with different meanings. We get confused because we have only one English word that does not cover the shades of meaning in the original languages. As we study into forgiveness we find that there is good news. When all is understood in the definition for forgiveness it is a great help in dealing with guilt and it is good news indeed.

Now that we have a definition for forgiveness that includes both parties to the transaction, let's continue this study on Biblical Forgiveness. Please go to part 3 (of 6).