Yeah, I know, it's been covered over and over, but still I want to put it out there to maybe get a fresh take on this?
Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother if that brother, having sinned against him, came and asked yet again, sincerely, for forgiveness from him.
Jesus said, essentially (if I'm interpreting His answer correctly), to just keep on forgiving him - indefinitely (again, assuming the friend's repentance was genuine and sincere).
We are called to emulate Jesus. To be transformed to his image, to strive to act and do as He would.
Therefore, may we also expect God to forgive us, if, after falling to sin over and over, and receiving strong conviction of the absolute wrongness of that crime against him we confess it before him in sincere repentance?
Seems to be plenty of scripture to suggest a yes to that question, but then others that suggest otherwise (as in Hebrews 6:4-6 and 10:26, 27). The Hebrews reference may be referring to a sinful return to animal sacrifice, or maybe not. It doesn't specify, just says "sin".
If this is too tired a discussion topic, just ignore it. But people keep on bringing it up for a reason. It's disturbing, and when I think of it's potential implications, personally, well, I sense a nascent dread creeping up from the quiet pool of doubt that underlies my Hope in Him.
Thanks folks.
Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother if that brother, having sinned against him, came and asked yet again, sincerely, for forgiveness from him.
Jesus said, essentially (if I'm interpreting His answer correctly), to just keep on forgiving him - indefinitely (again, assuming the friend's repentance was genuine and sincere).
We are called to emulate Jesus. To be transformed to his image, to strive to act and do as He would.
Therefore, may we also expect God to forgive us, if, after falling to sin over and over, and receiving strong conviction of the absolute wrongness of that crime against him we confess it before him in sincere repentance?
Seems to be plenty of scripture to suggest a yes to that question, but then others that suggest otherwise (as in Hebrews 6:4-6 and 10:26, 27). The Hebrews reference may be referring to a sinful return to animal sacrifice, or maybe not. It doesn't specify, just says "sin".
If this is too tired a discussion topic, just ignore it. But people keep on bringing it up for a reason. It's disturbing, and when I think of it's potential implications, personally, well, I sense a nascent dread creeping up from the quiet pool of doubt that underlies my Hope in Him.
Thanks folks.