I have a question that has been bothering me... If God wanted to forgive us, why can't he just forgive us just like that, like he asks us to forgive others. Why does he need to have his Son tortured and die in order to forgive us. It just doesn't make sense? i need your insight on this. Thanks so much.
Denise
Hi Denise,
God does just forgive us, forgiveness is a done deal according to Revelation. 13:8(" the Lamb Slain from the foundation of the World.") See: 1Peter. 1:19,20. We were already forgiven from before the Foundation of the World, but unfortunately or fortunately We are Accountable for Our Sins.
Jesus mentions being Chastised or Corrected from the Greek word Kolasin which is derived from Kolazo literally meaning "to prune with a view to improving us." He never used the Greek Word Timoria which means a severe penalty or punishment, although that word is mentioned in Hebrews addressing believers.
I wish, quite often that God didn't plan for us to suffer in the many ways We often do, I don't enjoy it. Sometimes, I feel like what's mentioned in the verses listed below, specifically Romans. 9:19.
Rom 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Rom 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
Rom 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
Rom 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
Apparently, God knows We need or require the suffering & chastening We experience in this Life for our correction. Most of Mankind will have to wait for the Fulfillment of Isaiah, 26:9, the inhabitants of the World learning righteousness from His Judgements, matters being set straight.
Just consider for a minute that Satan was created wicked, the destroyer, the waster, a liar & murderer from the beginning. He couldn't do otherwise and yet He will suffer severe correction & purification of His Carnal self in order to be transformed and become righteous.
Also, no one can truly and fully forgive anyone without God's Spirit enabling them to do so.
Stephen certainly couldn't forgive the Religious Leaders on His own. Act 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
Act 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Act 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
It all boils down to the fact that We are accountable for Our mistakes, whether planned or unplanned including even foolish mistakes leading to accidents, even when making what We think are the best possible choices that don't turn out the way We thought. That's the way God thought it was best to proceed.
Often, I don't particularly like it, but it continues to happen, for almost 56 years in My case. Why didn't God just make us Morally, spiritually & physically flawless with the inability to Sin. I really don't fully know, but one day We all will, in the meantime, your guess is as good as mine.
Carry On & may God assist you in your endeavor to cope with this difficult experience entitled: Life. Samson.