Statement #6. A willingness to forgive is a “test” of whether or not a person will go to heaven when he or she dies. TRUE.
A willingness to forgive is closely connected to how we can be sure that we are going to heaven. Jesus was very clear about this. In the Sermon on the Mount, he said,
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15).
I devote all of Chapter 10 to considering the relationship between a willingness to forgive and assurance of salvation. For now, notice two things in these verses. First, Jesus is talking about forgiveness. The word forgive appears four times in two verses. Second, Jesus is putting on the table the threat of eternal judgment or hell. And, if you have any questions about whether or not God has forgiven you, then be sure to read Chapter 3 carefully.
I have often pondered on this passage (as with others of this nature; ‘qualifications for being a true, saved disciple).
But is this the unforgivable sin? I’d appreciate your comment on this, because i have been convicted that it is only rejection of Christ that is unforgivable in the sense that there is “no other way”. (Heb 6:4-6)
Hi John, thanks for stopping by.Forgiving people doesn’t make us a Christian – – neither is “unforgiveness” an unforgivable sin. But it is characteristic of the forgiven that they forgive. If someone’s person is characterized by bitterness and resentment – – if they are unwilling to forgive a few dollars when God has forgiven us billions (Matthew 18:21-35), then there is reason to be concerned about the authenticity of that person’s faith.
Does that make sense?
Amen