Question:
Does God forgive us for doing the same sin over and over again?
Answer:
It seems Peter had a similar question for the Lord. Yet, finding the answers to the question requires that we observe two different passages of Scripture. The question similar to yours is asked in Matthew 18:21, “Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven’” (18:21,22). In Matthew’s account, after Jesus finishes with this brief answer he illustrates it with the “Parable of the Unforgiving Servant” (18:23-35). He finishes this illustration with these words, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses” (vs. 35).
Christians are commanded to forgive as God forgives. Ephesians 4:32 makes this clear, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” If Jesus makes it clear that we must forgive up to “seventy times seven” then it must be an indication to us that God is willing to forgive this graciously as well.
Now, that being said, we should make sure we understand the conditions of forgiveness. In a similar gospel account, Jesus says, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him” (Luke 17:1-4).
Notice a few points about the above passage. First, do not be surprised if you are sinned against or offended (vs. 1). Second, though sin is a part of this life, do not take it lightly—it is serious (vs. 2). Third, if we are sinned against there is a two-fold responsibility: it is the offended party’s duty to rebuke the offender; it is the offender’s duty to repent if he expects to find forgiveness. Finally, we can place no limit on forgiveness. If one is still willing to turn from their sins, then we all must still be willing to offer forgiveness (1 John 5:16,17).
Following the example of Simon is always a helpful real-life example to follow for the Christian who sins (Acts 8:18-24). 1 John 1:9 summarizes the Spirit’s position on this subject, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
February 2005