Steps That may be Necessary for Forgiveness
A Christian Examination of what the Bible Says About God's Grace
Jan 6, 2009
The writer does not trust in his own accuracy, and hopes the reader will research other articles as well before deciding on the matter.
God’s love is a common theme in the New Testament, but humankind’s sinful nature is referenced as well. What, then, does it take for one to find mercy and forgiveness from the Lord? Simply asking to be absolved might not be enough.
The Possible Need to Forgive Others
As Jesus says in Luke 6:37, “pardon, and you will be pardoned.” (NASB translation, along with all other quoted Bible passages in this article.) The Savior is even more explicit about this need to forgive others in Mark 11:25, where He says: “forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.” These verses and many others serve as a reminder that one might need to have clemency toward others before he or she can be cleansed of sin.
Repentance May be Necessary
It is mentioned over and over in the Bible that faith in Jesus is what allows one to be forgiven of sins, with no additional steps necessary. Is repentance actually necessary, then? Christian denominations have argued over this question for years, but repentance certainly doesn't hurt.
This concept extends back thousands of years to the Book of Isaiah, where this is written: “For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you shall be saved’” (Isaiah 30:15). Hundreds of years later, Jesus explained that one sinner’s repentance would produce more rejoicing in Heaven than the righteousness of ninety-nine others (Luke 15:7). Indeed, Christ’s message could be summarized as “repent and live,” which God is written as saying in Ezekiel 18:32.
Disclaimer: Websites often point out that the Greek word for 'repentance,' used in the New Testament, can also refer to a change of mind or heart. That's exactly what one does when they come to faith in Jesus. This change of mind may be enough to win God’s offer of forgiveness, whereas others say that repentance is necessary for one to meet their Savior.
The Need to Accept Jesus’ Sacrifice and the Holy Spirit
Considering that God “gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life,” as John 3:16 famously states, it seems absolutely necessary that faith in Christ (the Savior) is a central element of forgiveness. Without Jesus’ sacrifice, after all, humankind would have little hope of clemency from their Father.
In repenting and being baptized in Christ’s name, according to Acts 2:38, one also receives the Holy Spirit. This, too is a major step in forgiveness, for the Holy Ghost helps develop Christians in their faith and knowledge of God.
The Holy Spirit may also have a direct role in forgiveness, depending on one's interpretation of Jesus' statement that "whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" (Mark 3:29). Those who argue that such blasphemy involves refusing Christ's offer of salvation might believe that accepting the Holy Spirit is a vital step in one's salvation.
Abstaining From Future Sins
Is it necessary for one, after repenting for a certain sin, to avoid committing it again to be forgiven? There is a wide debate on this question, and only God knows the real answer. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit--which resides in all Christians who ask for Him--will eventually lead all believers to righteousness and sanctification. During that process, one should not want to commit a sin again, even if he or she makes a mistake. And with the Holy Spirit's power, they might not commit it ever again.
For those who sincerely seek it, experiencing God’s forgiveness is one of the true joys of being a Christian. Faith in Christ, His sacrifice and God the Father and Holy Spirit as well is likely enough to receive God's forgiveness of sins, though apologizing for things sinful in God's eyes and forgiving others of wrongdoings are kind acts in themselves.
Additional Reading
The articleIs Belief in Christ Enough to Gain Salvation? explores the question of whether faith alone is sufficient for one to receive God's grace.
Anyone asking how to be forgiven should examine the Lordship vs. Free Grace Debate, which also reflects on the path to forgiveness.
It is important to serve God with love regardless of how one receives forgiveness. The article Serving God out of Love, not Fear or Compulsion has more information on this point.
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