6:12: Forgive us AS we forgive 6:14: If you forgive, your Father will forgive you 6:15: If you do not forgive, your Father will not forgive you Three possible interpretations: 1. Christian who forgiven but lost salvation 2. Seemed to be a Christian, but lack of mercy showed he not 3. Christian who forgiven, but severely chastised to teach grace Is the issue heaven or hell, or simply discipline?
Two important insights to understand this parable: 1. The distinction between God as Judge and Father: Forgiveness from God as Judge is judicial: Justification: declared innocent under the Law Your debt to God is cancelled because Christ paid it in full The Judge acquits you and adopts you! He becomes your Father; you become His child. Forgiveness from God as Father is relational: Restoration upon a lifestyle of repentance and faith It grieves you to grieve Him (Eph 4:30) But His discipline may cause you great pain (v34-5) 2. Tho it is primarily about interpretation #3, interpretation #2 is also in view. Not either/or. Jesus is teaching that forgiven people are forgivers by nature (cf 5:7 only the merciful will be shown mercy) All Christians struggle to forgive when deeply wronged. If you resist, you will live by the Law, and that is painful! And you will eventually forgive. If you live in pervasive bitterness, it is an indication you have not known His grace and mercy. Have you experienced His mercy? Who are you withholding it from?
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Rev. Allen Harris
Forgive 2 Gospel of Matthew Columbia Presbyterian...
Allen Harris is leaving Columbia Presbyterian Church after 33 years of ministry this June, 2011, to do writing, consulting with churches, preaching and teaching. He is available for engagements. Contact him at allenhpilgrim@gmail.com . He and his wife, Kathie, will be living...
