The Cross is Enough

Warning: Theologyy discussion.

This verse has bothered me: But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. (Matthew 6:15 NASB)

I have read several translations and they all say the same thing. My problem with this verse is that it sounds as if my forgiveness is conditional to my behavior.

Knowing that the scripture is infallible, how do I reconcile this in my head. As I was pondering this, God lead me to this verse: for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:28 NASB)

Matthew 6 was true in the Old Covenant. Matthew 26 is issuing in the New Testament. The bible says, “without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin.” So with the shedding of the blood of the Perfect Lamb, we are now completely and freely forgiven. The cross was enough. It was actually more than enough.

So does this mean we do not need to forgive others? Of course not! We stand before God completely and freely forgiven which allows us to freely and completely forgive others. We were not forgiven because we earned it, not even because we were repentive (other than initial repentance). We were forgiven because of the blood of Christ. We forgive others because we are like our Father. We forgive others because we have experienced such freedom from being forgiven.

Good News: You are forgiven – completely, freely!