Biblical Answer

Can I lose God's forgiveness?

No, You Cannot Lose God's Forgiveness

The Bible clearly teaches that God's forgiveness is not dependent on our actions, but rather on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In 1 John 1:7, it is written, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." This means that no matter what we have done, God will forgive us because of Jesus' sacrifice. The idea that God's forgiveness is conditional on our actions is a misconception. While it is true that we must repent and turn from our sins to receive forgiveness, the forgiveness itself is not dependent on our actions.

The Process of Forgiveness

The process of forgiveness involves both asking for forgiveness from God and forgiving ourselves. It is a humbling experience to ask for forgiveness, as it goes against our natural tendency to be self-reliant. However, forgiveness is not a one-time event, but rather a process that requires practice to perfect. It involves not only forgiving others, but also forgiving ourselves for our failures and sins. In the book of Joshua, it is written, "If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you" (Josh. 24:19). This passage highlights the importance of not turning away from God's forgiveness.

The Nature of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not a natural act, but rather an act of self-defense that stops the "fatal bleeding of resentment." It takes practice to perfect, and it involves not only forgiving others, but also forgiving ourselves. In the book of Hebrews, it is written that no forgiveness can be found in the rituals of Judaism, but rather in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Heb. 10:1-4). This means that our forgiveness is not dependent on our actions, but rather on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we cannot lose God's forgiveness, but rather, we must continue to repent and turn from our sins to receive forgiveness. The process of forgiveness is ongoing, and it requires practice to perfect.