I recently read through an online discussion regarding God's forgiveness. The format was simple: The question posed was: According to Christianity, will criminals like rapists, serial killers, and school shooters go to Heaven if they ask God for forgiveness before dying?" Predictably, the answers and opinions varied widely!
Here are a few examples of the hundreds of responses given:
"If someone sincerely repents of their sins, they are forgiven."
"Asking for forgiveness" isn'...
I recently read through an online discussion regarding God's forgiveness. The format was simple: The question posed was: According to Christianity, will criminals like rapists, serial killers, and school shooters go to Heaven if they ask God for forgiveness before dying?" Predictably, the answers and opinions varied widely!
Here are a few examples of the hundreds of responses given:
"If someone sincerely repents of their sins, they are forgiven."
"Asking for forgiveness" isn't enough; they must repent in their heart – their core, and be changed. God sees through BS. But yes, they can change."
"Yeah, but it's not that simple."
Many more posted a 'traditional' approach to forgiveness – "If you confess your sins to God and repent, you will be forgiven." At the same time, though, some gave the opposite response:
"It sounds like the opposite of justice to give rapists and murderers and get out of jail free care, yet good people who don't believe in God will be tortured for eternity in hell. This is not good, moral, or justice."
"I hope not."
"Absolutely no criminals deserve to see Satan forever that is a terrible falsehood."
It is obvious from these responses that, for many people, their ideas of forgiveness are based upon their emotions or reactions to another's actions instead of biblical teaching! Importantly, the Bible teaches us the eternal truths of God, especially regarding the correct understanding of forgiveness. Here is just one passage from the words of Jesus that should be allowed to influence the common understanding of forgiveness: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34 Jesus said these words as he hung on the cross, not long before his death. Jesus had been lied about, arrested and beaten, and now nailed to the cross, a reputed 'criminal'! But as he hung there, his lifeblood draining out of him, he prayed to God that those involved would be forgiven. This simple prayer, "Father, forgive them," can give us profound insight into the forgiveness that comes from God.
First, the forgiveness that comes from God is based upon God's character. The Bible teaches us that "God is love," and Jesus offering forgiveness to those who hung him on the cross demonstrates the type of selfless, "agape" love from God. It is more than mere emotion; it is a commitment to another's well-being.
Another truth from these words of Jesus is that God's love is unlimited and retroactive. Jesus prayed for God to forgive them all, regardless of their situation. They were unrepentant, some were Jews, and others were Romans, but it did not matter – Jesus prayed for all of them, no questions asked!
Finally, God's forgiveness is forever; as the Psalmist said, "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." 103:12
God loves us and has directed Jesus to deliver a message of absolute forgiveness to all humanity; this is the reason for the message of the cross! God loves us, Jesus prays for us, and as we respond to his offer of salvation, he forgives us and cleanses us from sin.
Let me encourage you to follow Jesus and receive the forgiveness that comes from God; you can be made new and start over in this life!
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