Posted by Caleb Hastings on February 21, 1998 at 19:04:59:
In Reply to: Forgiveness and Justice posted by Doug Showalter on December 30, 1997 at 22:57:26:
Doug,
I think that you have a very good point in your recognition that restitution, justice and forgiveness are interrelated. However, I have a question for you. Is a Christian to forgive a person that has not repented and asked for forgiveness. I believe that 1 John 1:9 says that "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." If we are to live and forgive and Christ does. Then I believe that this verse is saying that forgiveness is contingent on the offender repenting. The verse says "If we confess..." That is saying to same thing about the sin that God says about it. Is a person that has not repented or asked for forgiveness to be forgiven by humans when the Bible is clear that God has not forgiven him until he repents? Just a few things to think about. I really enjoyed the thought that went into your message.
Caleb Hastings