IF I DON’T FORGIVE, I’M NOT FORGIVEN?
Apr 8, 2019
READ TIME: 1-2 MINUTES
ETERNAL SECURITY: PART 11
“David, what does Matt 6:14-15 mean about not being forgiven if I don’t forgive? Is it possible to lose eternal salvation if I don’t forgive?”
VERY CONCISE ANSWER:
If a believer does not forgive others who sin against him, he will suffer in the quality of his fellowship with God.
MORE DETAILED ANSWER:
This forgiveness is not positional forgiveness, but fellowship forgiveness because it tells those who already know God how to maintain a close walk with Him. Jesus taught this truth to Peter and the disciples in the Upper Room. When He attempted to wash Peter’s feet, Peter refused Him. Jesus then explained, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean, and you are clean, but not all of you.” So, for those who are saved, there is a daily need to confess sins and claim a new experience of fellowship forgiveness based on Christ’s past provision (His death on the cross) and our present position (a child of God). First John 1: 9 shows that confessing sin and receiving God’s forgiveness is necessary for walking in the light and maintaining fellowship with God (1 John 1:3-8).
If we harbor unforgiveness toward others, we will not enjoy the intimacy God desires to have with us. If we harbor unforgiveness toward others, not only do we disobey God’s command to forgive, but the barrier of our hardened heart keeps us from enjoying God’s full fellowship
SOURCE USED
Bing, Charles C. Grace, Salvation, and Discipleship: How to Understand Some Difficult Bible Passages. Grace Theology Press. Kindle Edition, pages, 66-67.