One of the most important doctrinal foundations one must have in order to unpack forgiveness is that of providence. Theologians use the word “providence” to describe the truth that God is directly involved in history and is working all things…
Why Write on Forgiveness?
In short story, “The Capital of the World,” Hemingway helps explain the need for teaching on forgiveness. Madrid is full of boys named Paco, which is the diminutive of the name Francisco, and there is a Madrid joke about a…
Did He need Killing?
Crunchy Con argues that a man who kicked a toddler to death “needed killing.” (See the original story here). The “Mighty Favoq” (see comments on Crunchy Con’s post) counters, that he needed to be stopped. Which position do you think…
An Overview of Biblical Words for Forgiveness
Here is an appendix of Unpacking Forgiveness. This may be too technical for many. AND I ASSURE YOU THAT THE OVERALL BOOK IS NOT WRITTEN THIS TECHNICALLY. I do want readers to know that my conclusions rest on a thorough…
Forgiveness and the Justice of God
A person who writes on forgiveness, never lacks for illustration material. We live in a fallen world. And, in a fallen world, relationships get damaged and broken. How we work through forgiveness is survival skill #1. Here are a couple…
Another Awful Story Where Forgiveness Must be Unpacked
Andrew Ford pointed out this forgiveness story about a four year old who saw her own mother murdered, had her throat cut, but survived, and ended up saving her four month old sister’s life. You can read the whole story…
Unpacking Forgiveness Now Listed on Amazon
My book is now listed on Amazon. There is even an image of the cover. . . But, alas, it won’t be out until October 1. I appreciate your prayers as I work with Crossway to tie up a few…
Does Conditional Forgiveness Lead to Bitterness?
If this is the first post you are reading, then it might not might make sense unless you read some of the previous ones on whether or not forgiveness is conditional, including Tim Challies post on the subject.
Here, the question is, “Does conditional forgiveness lead to bitterness?” I spend a pretty good chunk of Unpacking Forgiveness on that subject. . . here is a brief excerpt.
Some would argue that “automatic forgiveness” or unconditional forgiveness is the key to avoiding bitterness. In part, the argument here goes back to the matter of defining forgiveness. Those who argue for automatic forgiveness generally define forgiveness
Conditional Forgiveness Is Taught by Many Christian Authors and Theologians
Conditional forgiveness is a topic addressed by many others including Jay Adams, Lig Duncan, John MacArthur, Ken Sande, John Piper and Justin Taylor. Here is a survey of what others have said about conditional forgiveness. Jay Adams on Conditional Forgiveness Jay Adams…
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Any time a serious discussion about forgiveness begins, parties begin to evaluate the relationship between forgiveness and reconciliation. If the words “forgiveness” and “reconciliation” are used in their normal English sense, most would insist that there are times you forgive (and by that they mean, “not be bitter”) but not be reconciled.