Genesis 2:2, 3; Matthew 15:36, 37; Acts 6:30; Hebrews 11:30; Revelation 1:4, 5, 20; 5:1; 8:6; 10:3; 15:7; [Psalm 103:14]; Proverbs 24:16; Psalm 37:23, 24; Matthew 18:21, 22; Luke 17:1-10; Hebrews 12:1; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14; Matthew 6:14, 15; Luke 23:34; [Psalm 103:14]; I John 1:10; 2:1; Hebrews 2:11; I John 2:2; [Psalm 139:23, 24] As we look at forgiveness, we will see the number “seven” is frequently used in reference to it. The number “seven” in scripture denotes spiritual perfection and completeness. In Genesis on the seventh day, God ended His work and rested. There were seven miracles which Jesus did. In Matthew 13, Jesus presents seven parables regarding the kingdom of God. In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus presents seven specific petitions for daily living. In Romans, we read of seven listings of God’s grace in His giftings. Listed in Ephesians 4 there are seven aspects of the unity of the spirit. In Hebrews, seven different titles are given to Jesus Christ. In Revelation, when the completion of things are spoken of, we read of the seven golden candlesticks, seven spirits before His throne, the seven stars, seven churches, seven angels, seven seals, seven thunders, seven trumpets and seven golden vials. In Acts, when there was work that needed to be done, they chose seven individuals who were full of wisdom and the holy spirit. God remembers we are dust. In Proverbs it says a just man falls seven times and rises up again. This is the greatest definition in the Word of faithfulness, which is not measured by sinlessness but by recognizing God’s mercy and getting up again. God’s Word says the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. In Matthew 18, Peter asked the Lord how often should he forgive his brother? Seven times? Jesus said “I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven.” This is a wonderful figure of speech indicating that we cannot put a number on forgiveness. Forgiveness is spiritual perfection, a way of living complete, like our Father in heaven, Who is perfect. In the context of Luke 17, when speaking of forgiveness, the Lord said we do not need “extra” faith to forgive someone. We only need to make the decision to do what is right. Forgiveness is a commandment from God, not a kindness from us! Carrying around anger and bitterness is sin according to the Word of God. Ephesians says we are to forgive even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven us. This is the standard. Colossians tells us if we have a quarrel against any we are to forgive as Christ forgave. At the conclusion of the Lord’s prayer, Jesus tells them if a person forgives men their trespasses, their heavenly Father will also forgive that person. If a person does not forgive, neither will God forgive. Forgiveness is a commandment. If we break God’s commandments, we are not walking in light of His Word and we sin. Jesus’ example on the cross is exemplary. He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” No one at the cross was asking for forgiveness. Forgiveness is a gift. The time to lay aside the heavy weights of sin is now. We must take time to ask God to show us any darkness within us, then exercise ourselves to the reproof we receive. The result will be the peaceable fruits of righteousness, making us fit for the Master’s use and those to whom God will entrust the true treasures!
#316
The Importance Of Forgiveness -- August 3, 2003
©2003 / Faithful Word Ministries
59:14 minutes
"The Importance Of Forgiveness" - Rev. Steven A. Michels