True Forgiveness

I heard through the week the view that God should forgive people, irrespective of whether there is any repentance or changed life. This, obviously is based on a confusion between condoning and forgiving. To condone evil is simply to ignore it, to treat it as a good thing. But forgiveness needs to be offered and accepted. There has to be an acceptance of guilt to receive forgiveness. If a person admits no guilt, they can accept no forgiveness.
Those who are actively against God are likely to stay that way because they enjoy their position. They can return to God but more than often choose not to - it is like the door is locked on the inside. They can open it and leave the place they have chosen OR they can "enjoy" the restricted freedom they have demanded.
On the other hand, those who have submitted to God are truly blessed by Him, and if they continue in obedience, become more and more free - right through into eternity.
What do we really want God to do?
To wipe out people's past sins and to give them a fresh start? That is exactly what God has done at Calvary, by sending His Son to die on that cruel Roman cross for the sins of the whole world. this ca cover all people - all that is needed is repentance and faith.
Would we rather that God just leave people alone? That is exactly what happens. If people repent and return to God, He welcomes them with open arms. If people ignore God, and reject Him, He leaves them to themselves.

Have a great day,


Peter Clark(with thanks to CS Lewis for his thoughts in "The Problem Of Pain")