The Freedom and Power of Forgiveness
Overview
Few concepts are more basic to Christianity-or more important to a Christian's personal and spiritual well-being-than forgiveness. Yet in an age in which it has become fashionable to "forgive yourself" rather than to forgive others, can our modern ways of understanding guilt, blame, mercy, and justice be reconciled with Jesus' teaching?
Pastor John MacArthur begins The Freedom and Power of Forgiveness by examining the doctrine of the atonement, the basis for any teaching on forgiveness. He then answers some common questions about forgiveness, such as: Why are we supposed to seek God's forgiveness if he has already justified us? How should we handle repeat offenses against us? When is restitution appropriate? MacArthur then presents potent, relevant biblical principles of forgiveness.
Top Highlights
“Whenever possible, especially if the offense is petty or unintentional, it is best to forgive unilaterally.” (Page 123)
“The emphasis is on forgiving freely, generously, willingly, eagerly, speedily—and from the heart. The attitude of the forgiver is where the focus of Scripture lies, not the terms of forgiveness.” (Pages 118–119)
“Any time an offense results in a broken relationship, formal forgiveness is an essential step toward reconciliation.” (Page 132)
“When a sin is scandalous or otherwise potentially damaging to the body of Christ, confrontation is essential.” (Page 130)
“If you observe a serious offense that is a sin against someone other than you, confront the offender. Justice” (Page 128)
John MacArthur leaves no room for an easy-believism faith that side-steps the practical outworking of foundational Christian truths. Masterfully and incisively, he grapples with the issues of forgiveness and church discipline.
—Evangelical Journal
- Title: The Freedom and Power of Forgiveness
- Author: John MacArthur
- Publisher: Thomas Nelson
- Publication Date: 1998
- Pages: 243
John MacArthur (b. 1939) is a Calvinist theologian, author, editor, and teacher. He is a popular conference speaker and the president of both The Master's College and The Master's Seminary. He has also served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. Best known for his expository exegesis of the Bible, Logos has collected more than 3,000 of his sermons in the John MacArthur Sermon Archive and offers the complete MacArthur New Testament Commentary.
MacArthur’s pulpit ministry extends around the globe through his media ministry, Grace to You. In addition to producing daily radio programs for nearly 2,000 English and Spanish radio outlets worldwide, Grace to You distributes books, software, and CDs by John MacArthur. He has written hundreds of books and study guides, including the bestselling John MacArthur Essential Bible Study Library and the MacArthur Study Bible. He is also the author of notable titles like Different by Design and Twelve Ordinary Men.
