Forgiveness


Introduction

Forgiveness lies at the heart of the gospel. God freely forgives all who repent and believe in Christ, cancelling their guilt and adopting them as His children. Yet forgiveness also governs our relationships with others. As those forgiven much, we are called to forgive those who wrong us.

Richard Baxter stresses that forgiveness is both a duty and a grace. We are not to harbour bitterness, seek revenge, or use injuries as weapons. At the same time, he recognises the difficulty of forgiveness, especially under severe abuse or betrayal, and he directs believers to Christ’s own example: “Forgive as Christ forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).


Scripture Focus

  • “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32, KJV)


List of Relevant Scriptures

  • Exodus 34:6–7 – The Lord is merciful, gracious, forgiving iniquity.
  • Psalm 103:10–12 – God removes our sins as far as the east is from the west.
  • Isaiah 1:18 – “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
  • Matthew 6:14–15 – Forgive, and your heavenly Father will forgive you.
  • Matthew 18:21–22 – Forgive seventy times seven.
  • Luke 23:34 – Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them.”
  • 2 Corinthians 2:7–8 – Comfort and reaffirm love to the repentant.
  • Colossians 3:12–13 – Forbearing and forgiving one another in love.
  • 1 John 1:9 – God is faithful and just to forgive when we confess.


Overview of the Biblical Teaching on This Issue

Forgiveness is rooted in God’s character and covenant. He forgives the repentant fully and freely through the blood of Christ. This forgiveness is not earned but granted by grace.

Because we are forgiven, we are commanded to forgive others. Forgiveness does not mean excusing sin or ignoring justice, but releasing personal vengeance and entrusting judgment to God. Forgiveness opens the way to reconciliation where possible, but even where reconciliation is not safe or wise, forgiveness frees the heart from bitterness.


Pastoral Guidance

Drawing from Baxter’s counsel:

  • Receive God’s forgiveness first: Assurance of pardon in Christ is the wellspring of forgiving others. Without this, forgiveness will be hollow or forced.
  • Distinguish forgiveness from reconciliation: Baxter allows that reconciliation may not be immediate where safety is threatened, but the heart must still release revenge.
  • Do not repay sin with sin: “If you suffer wrong, see that you wrong not others because they wrong you… but commit yourselves to Him that judgeth righteously.”¹
  • Forgive as an act of obedience and love: Baxter reminds believers that forgiveness is not optional but commanded, for it displays the mercy of Christ.
  • Guard against bitterness: Unforgiveness corrodes the soul. Baxter warns that it hardens the heart and hinders prayer.
  • Use Christ’s example as motive: He who forgave His enemies on the cross gives both the pattern and the strength to forgive.
  • Practice patience in repeated injuries: Forgiveness may be costly, but Christ calls us to perseverance in it — “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22).


Further Reading

  • Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory, Part IV, Ch. IX (“Directions for the Forgiving of Injuries and Enemies”).
  • Thomas Watson, The Lord’s Prayer (on “Forgive us our trespasses”).
  • Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devices (remedies against bitterness and revenge).
  • John Owen, Communion with God (on God’s pardoning mercy).
  • Modern: R.T. Kendall, Total Forgiveness.


Footnote

  1. Baxter, A Christian Directory, Part IV, Ch. IX.