Whenever it is suggested that forgiveness is conditional, some respond, “Well isn’t it true that Jesus forgave those who crucified Him?” The reference is to Luke 23:34.
On Bitterness and Conditional Forgiveness
Biblical forgiveness is conditional. We offer forgiveness to all. But, forgiveness does not happen apart from repentance. Here is an excerpt from my writing.
Preaching and Esther: She Won the Contest
Even if you argue that Esther was forced to spend the night with the king, the fact remains that she kept her identity a secret and that she won the contest. She may have been forced to spend the night with the king (though we do not know that is the case). She did not have to conceal her identity and surely she did not have to win . . .
What is the point?
How to Beat Bitterness
If you feel yourself wrestling with bitterness then focus more intently on our glorious God. We need to be less “feelings-centered” and more Christ-centered. Savor the providence of God. He is in control of all things and he is perfectly…
Atonement Wars and Forgiveness
The current atonement debate has implications far beyond the doctrine of salvation. We are beginning to see how a departure from the Reformation understanding of the atonement will trickle down into areas of practical theology such as forgiveness.
It is also true that people are reading therapeutic approaches in the area of forgiveness back into doctrine. . .
A Bitterness Illustration that was too Long
I wrote the below material as an illustration about bitterness. But, it ended up being too much illustration and not enough truth. So, I had to cut it out. But, I couldn’t bear to completely delete it.
If you don’t want to read the illustration, here is the point. Avoid bitterness like the bubonic plague.
For those with nothing to do, here is a true story about 6th grade science. . .
Completely Lost
John Calvin said, For until men have so examined themselves, and learned how wretched and miserable they are, they will surely never yield God one hundredth part of the honour he deserves.”
If we are to really glorify God, then we must continually understand how completely lost we are apart from the Lord Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul wrote.
Lord’s Day Prayer
I am preaching this morning from Hebrews 6:4-8 – – one of the most solemn warnings in all of Scripture. The author of Hebrews: (1) Warns people who have tasted the faith. (2) That if they walk away. (3) They…
What are Bitter People Like?
I am writing a chapter on bitterness. I am in the middle of describing the characteristics of bitter people. This is a chunk of what I just wrote: And, yet there are so many bitter people. In fact, one of…
Another Forgiveness Question
Most people today distinguish between “forgiveness” and “reconciliation.” However, I am not sure that the Bible makes any significant distinction. In fact, Paul seems to use “reconciliation” synonymously with the Gospel (2 Cor 5:18-21). What do you think? Does God…