FORGIVENESS

The most common word in the Greek N.T. which conveys the idea of "forgiveness" is aphesis, a compound term meaning "to send away from." (a) Forgiveness is a divine response to human sin, issuing out of the loving and merciful disposition of God (Jn. 3:16; Eph. 2:4). Forgiveness is possible on the basis of Christ's death -- an innocent victim satisfying the demands of divine justice (Isa. 53:11; Rom. 3:21ff). But forgiveness is extended only to those who submit to God's plan for pardon (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). Man's obedience merits nothing (Eph. 2:8-9). Forgiveness is neither deserved nor earned (Mt. 18:21ff); it is, however, conditional (Heb. 5:8-9). (b) The spirit of forgiveness must obtain also among men. Though no man has the absolute power to forgive sins (see Mk. 2:7) -- Roman Catholic claims to the contrary notwithstanding -- we must always cultivate the merciful spirit, willing to extend pardon to any penitent transgressor (Lk. 17:3). Judgment will be without mercy to him who shows no mercy (Jas. 2:13; cf. Mt. 6:12; 18:32-35).