Q. In your category, “Therapy Alternatives,” the articles on unconditional forgiveness presented Jay Adams’ and John MacArthur’s views very well. But, in response to Adams’ teachings doesn’t the Bible say that we should forgive everyone including our enemies? Adams’ says we should only forgive those who repent of their transgressions against us.
Answer:
That’s a good question! Thanks for asking. Besides, forgiveness is an extremely important issue that is foundational to our Christian walk. It affects many things including God’s willingness to answer our own prayers (Mk 11:25). So I think this merits some further exploration of the subject.
Severing Church Doctrines from Psycho-Babble
To his credit, Jay Adams, author of From Forgiven to Forgiving, strives to clearly sever church thinking from psycho-babble. He believes that Psychology has overridden the church in areas of forgiveness.
For example, Adams teaches that the motto: “Love the sinner but hate the sin” is unscriptural. Rather, God’s wrath hangs over unrepentant sinners. Jesus typically said, “Your sins are forgiven you.” “Go and sin no more.” Christ “forgave” sinners. But, He never just “accepted” their sinful behaviors or person.
Therefore, Adams successfully provides clear definitions and strict biblical thought concerning highly emotionally-charged issues such as those concerning forgiveness. For this reason alone I recommend that all believers obtain a copy of his book and read it.
MacArthur & Sproul
But, after reading Adams book, if a Christian still does not feel “peace” about forgiveness concerning their particular issue, then I recommend that he or she bring to the table John MacArthur’s or R.C. Sproul’s commentaries on Matthew 18, the book of Philemon, and other biblical passages concerning forgiveness. Both of these authors are spiritual giants and provide clear teachings on doctrinal issues.
MacArthur on Jay Adams
MacArthur points out that Jay Adams, “a fine teacher,” says that “God forgives only those who repent. Therefore, if we are going to forgive in the same manner as we have been forgiven, we should withhold forgiveness from all who are unrepentant.”
MacArthur continues,
“There is some merit in Adam’s position. There are times when forgiveness must be conditional…I have great respect for Adams and have recommended his book on forgiveness as a helpful study of the subject. On this issue, however I must disagree with the position he takes.”
Refusing to Forgive Means We Won’t Be Forgiven
“Listen carefully to what these verses are saying:
– Matthew 6:12, 14-15: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors…For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (KJV).
– James 2:13: “For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
– Matthew 18:35: “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart” (ESV).
– Luke 6:36-38: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge and you will not be judged. And do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and it will be given to you…For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (NASB).
Forgiver’s Attitude
“The emphasis is on forgiving freely, generously, willingly, eagerly, speedily – and from the heart. The attitude of the forgiver is where the focus of Scripture lies, not the terms of forgiveness.”
Formal Transaction
…”Most of those who hold that all forgiveness is conditional portray forgiveness as a formal transaction, where the forgiven one must repent, and the offended party promises in return never to bring up the sin again.”
Becoming Obsessive, Odious Confronters
…”Sadly, I have seen people who hold this opinion become obsessive confronters and ultimately make themselves odious to friend and foe alike”
(MacArthur 2004, 147-149).
If Possible Live Peaceably with All
In other words, many of us know fellow believers who are so unpleasant and confrontational in their dealings with others that we simply avoid and ignore them! They have clearly ignored Romans 12:18 which advise us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Using Common Sense
Therefore, let’s use some common sense when we apply emotionally-charged verses to our daily walk.
For example, Jesus and Stephen cried out, “Father, forgive them because they don’t know what they are doing,” as they were persecuted and put to death. This was clearly a matter of unconditional forgiveness. They understood God’s justice and prayerfully interceded for their enemies.
In many of our daily grievances we can wholeheartedly embrace scriptures that say “love covers a multitude of sin” (1 Peter 4:8), or “love covers all transgressions” (Proverbs 10:12), or “Love keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Cor. 13:5).
It is always better to forgive too much than to condemn too much! In fact, there is a popular saying that “God forgives our sins, buries them in the sea of forgetfulness, and puts up a sign: ‘No fishing.'” Maybe we should try to do the same!
Luke 17 Applications
However, forgiving unconditionally does not mean that a Christian deliberately puts himself or others at risk of ongoing abuse. Examples are the sexual offender from whom a mother protects her children, or the husband who routinely physically and verbally abuses his family. It is imperative that believers shield vulnerable persons from abusive relationships.
Matthew 18 Disciplinary Measures
In cases such as these Luke 17:4 applies: “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” If a confronted brother refuses to repent, then the matter must be brought for disciplinary measures according to Matthew 18. In these cases we must confront the offender, and if that doesn’t work, bring the matter to others, and if that doesn’t work, bring it before the church for disciplinary action.
Forbidden To Overlook Sins Against Others
Clearly, while we are encouraged to overlook minor sins against ourselves, Scripture forbids us to overlook wrongs committed against others.
–“You shall not pervert the justice due to your needy brother in his dispute” (Exodus 23:6).
-“Learn to do good. Seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:17).
-…”Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow…” (Jeremiah 22:3).
God’s Sovereignty
Finally, we can begin to study good resources such as Jerry Bridges’ Trusting God Even When Life Hurts. A careful study of God’s sovereignty over our lives should be undertaken so that we may sincerely believe as Joseph when he said,
“You meant evil against me. But God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
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References:
Adams, Jay. 1994. From forgiven to forgiving. Amityville, NY: Calvary Press.
Bridges, Jerry. 1988. Trusting God even when life hurts. Colorado Springs: NavPress.
MacArthur, John. 2004. Chapter 10: Just as God has forgiven you. From: Truth matters. Nashville: TN: Thomas Nelson.