Forgiveness

I. Forgiving is essential

A. what does it mean by forgiveness

1. By God-

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Forgiveness

Ceasing to feel resentment for wrongs and offenses; pardon, involving restoration of broken relationships. Primarily, forgiveness is an act of God, releasing sinners from judgment and freeing them from the divine penalty of their sin. Since only God is holy, only God can forgive sin (

2. By human-

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Forgiveness

Forgiveness is also a human act toward one’s neighbor, given new incentive and emphasis in the NT because of God’s forgiveness in the death of Christ. Hence forgiveness is a uniquely Christian doctrine.