Biblical Answer

The Nature of Forgiveness

The Bible teaches that God forgives sins, but it does not mean that He automatically forgives everybody. The idea of automatic forgiveness is a misconception that undermines the gravity of sin and the personal responsibility of humans. Forgiveness is a divine prerogative, and even the Pharisees noticed that Christ unhesitatingly assumed this right. He not only declared sins forgiven, but actually forgave them.

The Condition of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not a one-way street; it requires a response from humans. The Bible teaches that God will not forgive those who remain impenitent and refuse to confess their sins before Him. In order to receive forgiveness, one must turn from sin and acknowledge their guilt before God. This is a function of God's righteousness, and it is necessary to preserve the moral fiber of the universe. The death of Christ made it possible for God to forgive sins without a breakdown of the moral order.

The Mystery of Forgiveness

The willingness of God to forgive sins is a mystery that has never been solved by any religion apart from the Bible. The Bible teaches that forgiveness is a divine prerogative, and it is a function of God's righteousness. While God forgives sins, He does not gloss over those sins; they are many, and He reckons us not guilty. The Bible teaches that, no matter how many and how great the sins, God's grace can forgive them. This is a mystery that has never been fully understood, and it is a testament to the depth of God's love and mercy.