In the Sermon on the Mount, right at the end of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus is quoted as saying “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matt. 6:14).
Taken literally, Matt. 6:14 is unconditional, absolute, in the form “If X, then Y,” i.e., if we forgive we will be forgiven. Period. Without more. If the “more” that others suggest is necessary for forgiveness of sin (faith in Christ being a particularly popular suggestion) is indeed necessary, then Matt. 6:14 viewed in isolation is literally untrue.
Is it true? Is forgiving others, without more, enough to have our own sins forgiven?
Taken literally, Matt. 6:14 is unconditional, absolute, in the form “If X, then Y,” i.e., if we forgive we will be forgiven. Period. Without more. If the “more” that others suggest is necessary for forgiveness of sin (faith in Christ being a particularly popular suggestion) is indeed necessary, then Matt. 6:14 viewed in isolation is literally untrue.
Is it true? Is forgiving others, without more, enough to have our own sins forgiven?