Many lean towards the belief that biblical forgiveness is conditional—-that forgiveness is extended only if the offender apologizes, if the offender acknowledges and takes ownership of their wrong. When they do, that is when we extend forgiveness.
The Gospel message is based off this example, that God extends forgiveness, “when” we believe. Belief is exercised through “confession” and “repentance,” prompted by God regenerating our hearts (i.e by the holy spirit). Therefore, when we confess and repent of our sins (i.e our heart posture comes to acknowledge our wrong, our sins), it is in-fact true that forgiveness is conditional, and thereby when such conditions are met, (salvific) forgiveness is granted by God the Father.
In my ongoing limited study, I have observed evidence in scripture for both conditional and unconditional forgiveness. The biggest example is Jesus on the cross literally declaring, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Here, it appears unconditional forgiveness is extended prior to anyone’s belief, let alone one’s confession and repentance.
Why Unconditional Forgiveness Is Rejected
I am wondering if unconditional forgiveness is rejected because it is often taught separate from justice and accountability. You can unconditionally forgive someone who never “repents.” You can also still pray for justice and/or accountability, and pray that they recognize their wrong because these request are also part of God’s character. Unconditional forgiveness does not mean that you leave myself open to more harm to the offender who never repented. Unconditional forgiveness still requires boundaries, and one can still pray for justice and accountability—while releasing vengeance to the Lord.
One aching (rhetorical) question to those who stand firm that we as Christians should only practice conditional forgiveness, is this: What do you do if the offender never apologies? Never repents, who never acknowledges their wrong….Lord knows it happens. Following the application of conditional forgiveness, it appears we end up setting ourselves up for bitterness, rage, malice and all kinds unhealthy fruit (Ephesians 4:31) contrary to scripture. It also does not represent the fullness of God. If our horizontal forgiveness towards one another is only conditional and the person never apologizes/repents, how are you able to reconcile, “but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6:15).
Regarding our horizontal application of forgiveness towards one another, I lean that forgiveness it is both conditional and unconditional.
What If
If forgiveness is both conditional and unconditional, that means we are to forgive when “your brother sins against you, seventy times seven and repents, you must forgive (Luke 17:4) and “whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25) key word on “anything against anyone.”
Taking in the whole counsel of God and knowing God to be Holy, but also very practical, full of grace and mercy, but also of justice and truth—-it seems to me that both conditional and unconditional forgiveness represent who He is. I also see that unconditional forgiveness truly deepens our faith in Christ.
Yet, maybe the issue is semantics: “offering” “extending” vs “granting” forgiveness.
But again, still studying….
