Statement #6. A willingness to forgive is a “test” of whether or not a person will go to heaven when he or she dies. TRUE.
A willingness to forgive is closely connected to how we can be sure that we are going to heaven. Jesus was very clear about this. In the Sermon on the Mount, he said,
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15).
I devote all of Chapter 10 to considering the relationship between a willingness to forgive and assurance of salvation. For now, notice two things in these verses. First, Jesus is talking about forgiveness. The word forgive appears four times in two verses. Second, Jesus is putting on the table the threat of eternal judgment or hell. And, if you have any questions about whether or not God has forgiven you, then be sure to read Chapter 3 carefully.
