Attributes of God – God Is Forgiving
This lecture explains that forgiveness is one of the greatest attributes of God, and that God’s forgiveness is complete and comprehensive, yet closely connected to true repentance. God is always ready to forgive every sin, no matter how great, provided that a person returns to Him with a contrite heart, confessing his sin and desiring change.
Summary Points
- God Is Forgiving by Nature
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the word “Forgiving” indicates abundance of forgiveness, meaning that God forgives continuously, out of His compassion, tenderness, and mercy. - Forgiveness Is a Firm Biblical Principle
The Holy Bible is filled with testimonies confirming God’s forgiveness, in the Psalms, Isaiah, Jonah, and Ezekiel, where God declares that He blots out sins and remembers them no more. - The Relationship Between Forgiveness and Repentance
There is no sin without forgiveness, except the sin without repentance. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit means a lifelong rejection of repentance, not a limitation in God’s forgiveness. - God’s Forgiveness Is Complete and Comprehensive
God’s forgiveness is not partial or temporary; it is a complete erasure of sin, as if it never existed, a cleansing and washing by the blood of Christ, so that it is no longer counted or remembered. - Practical Examples of the Power of Forgiveness
God forgave adulterers, murderers, deniers, idol worshipers, the people of Nineveh, the thief on the right, and saints who once had great sins and then repented. - The Means of Forgiveness in the Church
Forgiveness is granted by the blood of Christ through the sacraments of the Church: Baptism for sins before baptism, the Sacrament of Repentance and Confession for sins after baptism, and the Sacrament of the Eucharist. - Conditions for Receiving Forgiveness
True repentance, confession of sin, correcting the consequences of sin, forgiving others, refraining from judging others, and loving God from the heart. - A Practical Call to Repentance
God does not remember forgiven sins nor reproach a person with them, but He waits for his return. Therefore, repentance is the only door to enjoying God’s forgiveness and mercy.
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