The concept of Forgiveness in Christianity
Forgiveness in Christianity is a multifaceted concept that involves pardoning others' wrongs, as exemplified by Jesus' mercy towards those who crucified him. It entails a cleansing of the heart, requiring contrition and the unwavering interest in holiness. Forgiveness serves as a bridge between individuals and God's love, often associated with the act of absolving sin. It highlights the importance of acknowledging one's faults and seeks not just reconciliation but also the restoration of favor and connection with God, reflecting core Christian teachings.
Synonyms: Pardon, Absolution, Remission, Reconciliation, Clemency, Mercy, Grace, Amnesty, Leniency
In French: Pardon; In Dutch: Vergiffenis; In Finnish: Anteeksianto; In Spanish: ±Ê±ð°ù»åó²Ô; In German: Vergebung; In Swedish: ¹óö°ù±ôÃ¥³Ù±ð±ô²õ±ð; In Malay: Pengampunan
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Forgiveness'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) The process in the brotherly heart of Joseph, molded by the law which applies to God's pardon as to ours, which requires contrition.[1] (2) The text presents forgiveness as a central theme, as Jesus offers forgiveness to those who crucified him, highlighting his mercy and compassion.[2] (3) The text says that the Christ can bring this which is essential, the deliverance from the power of evil which is not less essential, and who can fill our hearts with Himself the food of the world.[3] (4) Forgiveness is the act of pardoning sin, which is symbolized by the bearing away of sin, the sacrifice, and the laying of sins on the scapegoat, representing the removal of barriers between individuals and God's love.[4] (5) The act that calms the conscience and purges it from the corruptions that afflict it; precedes the cleansing of the heart.[5]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) Forgiveness must be bestowed in such a way, and on such conditions, that the interest of holiness shall not be compromised, as the text states.[6] (2) The concept encompasses a variety of thoughts and is used to convey ideas related to the connections between God and humanity, as demonstrated in both Old and New Testament texts.[7]
From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus
(1) This is what one should give to a person who has trespassed against them after they have expressed remorse.[8]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) The author requests this regarding the wrong that has been done, as well as a restoration to favor, within the context of the writing.[9]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Forgiveness is a key characteristic of the Gnostic, who forgives enemies and seeks no retaliation, and it is emphasized as a path to salvation and a reflection of God's goodness.[10] (2) This term represents the full acknowledgment of debts, emphasizing the recognition of shortcomings and the seeking of pardon for transgressions.[11]
From: Works of St. Anselm
(1) The act of pardoning someone else's wrongs, brought up in relation to one's own inability to seek vengeance.[12]