The Forgiveness of “Grace”
Notes
Transcript
Handout
"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34)
33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
According to the commonly accepted time table, our Lord was placed on the cross at 9 A.M. Here he suffered for some six hours and gave up his spirit at 3:00 in the afternoon to give time for the Jewish people to begin celebrating Passover, The Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of First Fruits.
Passover was a celebration of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread was a remembrance that after redemption has been provided, then comes a separated and sanctified walk with the removal of sin from our life.
The Feast of First Fruits was a remembrance of the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea by the people of Israel.
Passover was fulfilled in the crucifixion of Christ and the Feast of First Fruits was fulfilled in the Resurrection.
Based on these facts, these were the most important six hours of all human history, spent upon a lonely hill outside a city.
While on that cross, dying for the sins of mankind He uttered 7 sayings that I feel culminates in the gospel of Grace extended to everyone.
Paul mentions this gospel of grace in
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
This one act was the single most act of grace that has ever been expressed. The sinless dying for the sinful.
Grace is God's undeserved love, favor, and kindness that is given to all people.
It is a gift that cannot be earned.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Grace is an essential part of God’s character. Grace is closely related to God’s benevolence, love, and mercy.
Grace has been defined as
“God’s favor toward the unworthy”
or
“God’s benevolence on the undeserving.”
In His grace, God is willing to forgive us and bless us abundantly, in spite of the fact that we don’t deserve to be treated so well or dealt with so generously.
To fully understand grace, we need to consider who we were without Christ and who we become with Christ. We were born in sin (Psalm 51:5),
5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.
and we were guilty of breaking God’s holy laws (Romans 3:9–20, 23; 1 John 1:8–10).
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
We were enemies of God (Romans 5:6, 10; 8:7; Colossians 1:21),
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
deserving of death (Romans 6:23a).
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We were unrighteous (Romans 3:10) and without means of justifying ourselves (Romans 3:20).
Spiritually, we are destitute, blind, unclean, and dead. Our souls are in peril of everlasting punishment.
But then came grace.
God extended His favor to us.
Grace is what saves us (Ephesians 2:8).
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Grace is the essence of the gospel (Acts 20:24).
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Grace gives us victory over sin (James 4:6).
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Grace gives us “eternal encouragement and good hope” (2 Thessalonians 2:16).
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
Paul repeatedly identified grace as the basis of his calling as an apostle (Romans 15:15; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Ephesians 3:2, 7).
Jesus Christ is the embodiment of grace, coupled with truth (John 1:14).
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The Bible repeatedly calls grace a “gift” (e.g., Ephesians 4:7).
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
This is an important analogy because it teaches us some key things about grace:
First, anyone who has ever received a gift understands that a gift is much different from a loan, which requires repayment or return by the recipient.
The fact that grace is a gift means that
Nothing is Owed in Return.
Second, there is
No Cost to the Person who Receives a Gift.
A gift is free to the recipient, although it is not free to the giver, who bears the expense. The gift of salvation costs us sinners nothing. But the price of such an extravagant gift came at a great cost for our Lord Jesus, who died in our place.
Third, once a gift has been given, ownership of the gift has transferred and it is now
The Gift is ours to Keep.
There is a permanence in a gift that does not exist with loans or advances. When a gift changes hands, the giver permanently relinquishes all rights to renege or take back the gift in the future. God’s grace is ours forever.
Fourth, in the giving of a gift,
The Giver voluntarily Forfeits something he Owns.
willingly losing what belongs to him so that the recipient will profit from it. The giver becomes poorer so the recipient can become richer. This generous and voluntary exchange from the giver to the recipient is visible in 2 Corinthians 8:9:
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Finally, the Bible teaches that
Grace is completely Unmerited.
The gift and the act of giving have nothing at all to do with our merit or innate quality (Romans 4:4; 11:5–6; 2 Timothy 1:9–10).
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
In fact, the Bible says quite clearly that we don’t deserve God’s salvation.
Romans 5:8–10 says,
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Grace does not stop once we are saved; God is gracious to us for the rest of our lives, working within and upon us.
Grace is actively and continually working in the lives of God’s people.
The gospel conversation is the good news of God’s grace, so it is important to know what grace is and to constantly seek to get a better view of what grace does in our lives.
Grace is found 145 times in 135 verses of the entire Bible.
First mentioned in
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
The last mention is found in the last verse of the Bible.
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
It was at the cross that God and man were reconciled again.
It was at the cross that the Lord’s righteous demands were met.
It was at the cross that that which was lost in the garden was regained again.
It was at the cross that a crippling and decisive blow was dealt against Satan and his demon powers. It was at the cross where our salvation was purchased. We can never talk about it too much or reflect upon it too often.
However, the conversation of grace begins with forgiveness.
32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Forgiveness Defined
Forgiveness Defined
Forgiveness in the Bible is a “release” or a “dismissal” of something. The forgiveness we have in Christ involves the release of sinners from God’s just penalty and the complete dismissal of all charges against us (see Romans 8:1).
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Colossians 1:14 says that in God’s beloved Son “we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
To some people, forgiveness may seem like weakness or letting an undeserving person win, but it has no connection to weakness or even to emotions.
Instead,
What is forgiveness?
What is forgiveness?
Forgiveness is an Act of the Will.
Forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven. No one deserves to be forgiven.
Forgiveness is a deliberate act of love, mercy, and grace.
Forgiveness is a decision to not hold something against another person, despite what he or she has done to you.
What is forgiveness in relation to salvation?
What is forgiveness in relation to salvation?
Forgiveness is an integral part of salvation. When Jesus forgives us, our sins, trespasses, iniquities, and transgressions are erased, wiped off the record.
Forgiveness of sin is comparable to financial debt being erased.
When Jesus said, “It is finished,” from the cross (John 19:30), He was literally saying, “It is paid in full” (tetelestai in Greek).
Jesus took the punishment we deserved, so, when God forgives us of our sins, we are free; we no longer live under that debt. Our sins are wiped out. God will never hold that sin against us (Psalm 103:12).
12 As far as the east is from the west, So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
It is impossible to have salvation without forgiveness.
Salvation is God’s deliverance from the consequences of sin.
God’s salvation in Christ is the ultimate example of extending forgiveness.
God’s forgiveness must be accepted through repentance and faith.
Have you accepted forgiveness from God?
What is forgiveness of others?
What is forgiveness of others?
Forgiveness is also an essential part of the life of believers.
Ephesians 4:32 commands, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Similarly, Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
The key in both passages is that we are to forgive others as God has forgiven us.
Why do we forgive?
Why do we forgive?
Because we have been forgiven!
The Bible tells us that we are to forgive those who sin against us. We keep no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5) but forgive as many times as necessary (Matthew 18:21–22). Refusing to forgive a person demonstrates resentment, bitterness, and anger, none of which are the traits of a growing Christian. Biblically, forgiveness is not just something that the offended person offers; it requires the offender to receive it, bringing reconciliation to the relationship.
God promises that, when we come to Him confessing our sin and asking for forgiveness, He freely grants it for the sake of Christ (1 John 1:9).
Likewise, the forgiveness we extend to others should know no limits (Luke 17:3–4).
3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
What is your first reaction when you are wronged?
What is your first reaction when you are wronged?
33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
This attitude
Verified His Person
Verified His Person
because human nature doesn't forgive, it gets even. This act was prophesied in the strongest chapter outside te New Testament that proved His Deity and humanity, as the Messiah.
12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, And he shall divide the spoil with the strong; Because he hath poured out his soul unto death: And he was numbered with the transgressors; And he bare the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.
Forgiveness Was Presented for Everyone
Forgiveness Was Presented for Everyone
When man had done his worst, Jesus prayed!
Jesus did not pray for Himself, but rather He prayed for others.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Those who
Violated His Rights
Violated His Rights
He prayed for those that mocked Him.
63 And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
His enemies spoke blasphemous words against Christ, they beat Him.
11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
Pilate declared
14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
Pilate didn’t protect Him, but rather Pilate protected himself.
24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
and those that
Violated His Reputation
Violated His Reputation
32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
Malefactors are hardened criminals. They have been caught, convicted, and condemned for their crime.
Christ died between the two.
Christ was innocent. He was a model of grace, He modeled true love, He healed the sick, He restored the blind, He broke the chains of demon possession, He set captives free, and He even raised the dead. He was executed between 2 men that never gave but only took.
Forgiveness was Petitioned of the Father.
Forgiveness was Petitioned of the Father.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
It wasn’t Jesus that forgave, It is definitely implied, but Jesus wanted the Father to forgive.
Understand, that forgiveness here is not a blanket pardon for all involved.
Forgiveness can only come through faith.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The word forgive here is actually translated at least 13 times in the New Testament as “allow” or “suffer”.
Forgiveness of the Father was needed to allow them to crucify Jesus.
14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
Forgiveness of the Father was needed to protect them that was crucifying Jesus.
Forgiveness of the Father was needed.
Forgiveness does not mean that men are excusable, but rather forgiveable.
1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
Forgiveness was Prosecuted by the Father
Forgiveness was Prosecuted by the Father
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Is ignorance an excuse for our behavior?
Forgiveness involves a prosecution.
Everyone is guilty!
Jesus was not asking the Father to overlook the sin. An all powerful, all knowing God can not overlook of forget our sin.
They knew they
The penalty of sin has to be paid.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
What Jesus is implying in this statement is “Father, forgive them, and condemn Me instead.”
Our sins were imputed to His account.
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Jesus took our sin, our punishment, death, and our hell and died on the cross for us.
None of us are perfect people, we are just forgiven people.
We have been forgiven by the Father, not because of our doing, but rather because of the payment of Christ.
However, we have to receive the payment that was made.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Christ requested forgiveness and the Father granted forgiveness, but you have to receive forgiveness.
Remember forgiveness is by grace through faith.
Next week, we will see this as we look at the Salvation of Grace.
