Why to Forgive

Jesus gave some serious warnings about forgiveness, but I have heard people (some of them very influential) dismiss those warning solely based on the concept that salvation cannot be lost, which has not been irrefutably determined based on what the scripture says.

The Arminian-Calvinist conflict has been around for centuries, and, in my opinion, neither side presents a satisfactory argument. To put it in a probably overly simplistic way, the Arminians would say that salvation could be had and lost based on choice. According to the way they interpret the scriptures, God gives man the choice, therefore man can choose to accept salvation and later reject it. The Calvinists argue that this is not the case, that man cannot choose, but God moves their heart to accept salvation and, once accepted, it can never be lost. In my opinion, neither side is correct. I do not have an alternative view of this issue, but both of them can be argued from the scriptures and I have not been able to find a successful resolution to it. There are pros and cons to both sides of that coin.

I am not against Calvinism, but it is important to understand both sides of the argument because following the Calvinist thought could cause believers to ignore one of the most serious warnings that Jesus gave us during his earthly ministry.

"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:14-15, ESV

That is a very serious statement and warning, and that is not the only time Jesus mentions this concept. In Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus tells the parable of the wicked servant who, being forgiven of his debt, refused to forgive those that owed him and was sent to jail until he could repay the entirety of his debt. The passage ends with the same warning.

"And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." Matthew 18:34,35, ESV

This might sound like works-based salvation, but, from the scripture quoted above, it could be argued that forgiving those that offend, hurt, and "owe" us is a requirement for our own salvation.

Regardless of whether your theology aligns with the Arminian or Calvinist view, I would encourage you to pay attention to the bitterness and un-forgiveness in your heart. Ask God to help you forgive those that owe you, so you may not be that wicked servant or end up like him!!!
 
Learn How To Forgive Here