Repentance and Forgiveness

“If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.” [Luke 17.3-4]

Now, here is something to think about!

If another believer sins... rebuke that person. In other words, call them out on their sin. Address it. Don't just 'let it go.'

Then,  if there is repentance, forgive.

Wait, only forgive them if there is repentance? Otherwise, don't forgive them?

But, either way, rebuke them?

What does repentance have to do with anything? Apparently, it has everything to do with it! Without repentance there is no forgiveness. It is not a matter of "not" forgiving as much as it is a matter of not answering a question that is not asked in the first place. Repentance is a conscious request for forgiveness. Forgiveness is a conscious response to repentance.

But wait, let's back up... If forgiveness is the proper response to repentance, then we must understand that repentance is the proper response to confrontation ("rebuke that person...").

Likewise, confrontation (rebuke) is the proper response to observed sin.

What sin? Well, in the context of this discussion, it would appear "sin against you." In other words, the 'forgiver' in this discussion is the one against whom the sin was committed.

For comparison, look at this:

If you see a fellow believer sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. [1 John 5.16]

I just thought of the situation where one person feels offended and, instead of rebuking the offender, they offer forgiveness. Many times this only further confuses the situation. Now, perhaps we understand why: there can be no forgiveness unless there is first repentance. Forgiveness can only be the response to repentance...

This is actually making sense. Just because Jesus died on the Cross paying the price for sin, does not mean that that forgiveness is imparted without it being the response to repentance. There are many who would believe that they are heaven-bound just because Jesus died on the Cross. But that is not the case. The Word of God openly rebukes sin and, unless one repents of that sin, the work of Jesus does not apply to that person.

So repentance is the only avenue by which one will be forgiven. How does this match up then with Matthew 6.15?

But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. [Matthew 6.15]

Can repentance and forgiveness be one and the same? Is forgiving an act of repentance in and of itself?

Interesting thought...

Father, I don't claim to understand all there is to know about repentance and forgiveness. I am ashamed to confess this (because it is so important), but it is true. Help me to hear Your voice concerning this topic. Help me to forgive as an act of my own repentance.