I came across a Youtube Short video the other day published by BeyondToday TV. It featured comments made by Gary Petty in a sermon he gave, but I could not find the sermon it was associated with. Taking into account that my research abilities may be limited, I’m guessing that the sermon had not yet been published.
I bring this up, because today’s message is inspired by that short video.
Christ died for everyone, whether they want it or not. He paid the death penalty for sin, and then that paid penalty led to the offer of salvation to everyone (in their time).
2Co 5:14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;
2Co 5:15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
2Co 5:16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.
1Jn 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
1Jn 2:2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
So Paul applies Christ’s sacrifice for sin to everyone, then so does John. What we need to gather from this in its fullest capacity is that our response to the enemy or the stranger should be no different from our response to our brethren in the faith. We need to practice the same godliness in all relationships, whether ongoing or fleeting.
So, if Christ’s sacrifice applies to all, meaning all will be offered salvation at some point, how does that apply to our practice of forgiveness? We, too, have to offer forgiveness, because He forgave us.
Mat 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
The other person does not have to accept our forgiveness, and our forgiveness of them does not require a relationship. Forgiveness does not justify the other person’s sin against us, but it does allow us to practice the same kind of mercy that God has shown to us.
A summarization of verse 12 is, “Forgive US as WE forgive others.” This is a transitional glue that determines whether or not our ENTIRE prayer is even heard by God. (explain)
Contemplating the practice of merciful forgiveness, it might help us to understand an important facet of God’s character, so let’s turn to the book of Job.
Job 35:6 If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him? Or, if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him?
Job 35:7 If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand?
Job 35:8 Your wickedness affects a man such as you, And your righteousness a son of man.
Job 41:11 Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is Mine.
Though it is true that our sins can evoke an emotional response from God, our sins cannot bring Him down to our level. God’s righteousness can never be negatively affected by our own sins, nor can it be improved by our own righteous behavior. God is inherently perfect and unchangeable.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
We know that God requires us to obey Him. Much of the instruction we receive from the word is in regard to how we can please God by doing His commandments. But there are so many facets to our relationship with God that go beyond a set of rules. One of those things is to be a peacemaker, even mentioned by Christ in the Beatitudes.
Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
How can I, myself, be a peacemaker, if I, myself, don’t have a peaceful disposition toward God and all people? If my mind is not at peace in all relationships (regardless of whether or not they feel peace, themselves), then I’m living an incomplete perspective on peace. So, issues like love, mercy, and forgiveness get muddled in my own practice.
As I close, I wish to share with you the description attached to that one minute, thirty second video clip, which reads…
“God’s forgiveness is astounding. Christ died for every person — even those who may never repent. Forgiveness doesn’t require relationship restoration. It’s an act of mercy modeled after God’s own offer: freely given, even when it’s not accepted. True forgiveness releases the burden of resentment, even when resolution isn’t possible.”
God grant us true peace through the practice of merciful forgiveness.
