Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds, published by Crossway, is now available! (Click here).
You can read endorsements for Unpacking Forgiveness here.
The goal with Unpacking Forgiveness was to write a biblical, Christ-centered book that is accessible, but also one that is not trite or superficial. Only Christ and his Word can unpack forgiveness.
Many forgiveness books that target a general audience are too simplistic in their teaching about forgiveness. They encourage forgiveness so broadly that they diminish the justice of God and the integrity of grace. This is what Dennis Praeger pointed out in a Wall Street Journal article.
Though I am a Jew, I believe that a vibrant Christianity is essential if America’s moral decline is to be reversed. And despite theological differences, Christianity and Judaism have served as the bedrock of American civilization. And I am appalled and frightened by this feel-good doctrine of automatic forgiveness.
Unpacking Forgiveness presents the beauty of God’s grace and the necessity of forgiveness. But, it also teaches that forgiveness must take place in a way that is consistent with justice. We must move beyond a “feel-good doctrine of automatic forgiveness.”
Shared from Forgiveness Made Easy by Spurgeon
He forgave us for Christ’s sake, not for aught that we had done. True, we did repent, and did believe, but repentance and faith he gave us, so that he did not forgive us for the sake of them, but purely of his own dear love, because he delighteth in mercy, and is never more like himself than when he passeth by transgression, iniquity, and sin…
Chuck — thanks for the Spurgeon quote.
Regarding forgiveness between the Saints, there is a WHAT and a HOW – two separated elements that must not be confused. The WHAT is that we must be ready and willing to forgive our sinning brother. But How is contained in Luke 17:3 – the two IF – THEN statements. If you understand computer programming, you will instantly recognize the IF – THEN logic of Jesus’ command regarding the process of forgiveness.
Well said Roger. I wrote a lot of code in a previous life so that parallel makes sense. This flow chart regarding forgiveness may be of interest.
Roger, I am having problems replying so I’ll try this again. You’re computer programming illustration is a good one. This flow chart may be of interest.