YOU DON'T HAVE TO FORGIVE OTHERS SO THAT GOD CAN FORGIVE YOU.
Before you read this post,you must understand that we highly encourage you to forgive others as it heals you of alot of negative and potentially hazardrous emotions.
Now a friend asked this question..."Must we forgive so God forgives us."she then quoted matthew 6 14 15.So lets settle it once and for all.
You must have heard or read of the verses in matthew 6 14 15 :"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Now do we have to forgive so God forgives us or should we just trust in the work of Jesus on the cross???
Friends listen...this words in matthew were said by JESUS SPEAKING TO THE JEWS.....BEFORE HIS CRUCIFIXION!!!what does that mean???It means that they were all under the old covenant.Remember Jesus lived under the law and it is only after His death that the old covenant was replaced by a new and better covenant that does not depend on man's goodness or his love for Him but on God's goodness and His love for us.
Therefore do not let anyone tell you that you must forgive others or God will not forgive you.That was true for the old covenant.We are living under a new covenant built on better promises and assured blessings.
Forgiveness will come as a fruit of living under the true gospel of grace.Not your efforts.
God encourages forgiveness and so do we..mainly because it sets you free in many ways...but forgiveness so that God forgives you in heaven...that is highly erroneous and gravely misleading.
Your lifetime of sins are already forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ.Yes,His blood is that awesome.
