Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (MSG)
Have you ever read one Bible verse that seemed to completely contradict another?
As you read the Old Testament and the Gospels, it’s so vital to keep in mind what Jesus accomplished on the cross. I often say that as believers, we need to bring the Old Testament scriptures through the cross because we’re under a new covenant. Misunderstanding the context can lead to misinterpretation.
Let me give you an example of how understanding context changes everything. In Matthew 6:15, Jesus said, “But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” (NLT). Many believers think this means that those who don’t forgive can’t go to heaven—but Jesus made that statement before the cross. When Jesus died on the cross, He made a way for everyone who chooses to believe on Him to be saved. Perfection is not required. The cross changed everything!
Of course, God still wants us to forgive others. We are told to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). As we meditate on His Word, we grow in our understanding of His unconditional love, forgiveness, and acceptance, and His Spirit within us empowers us to extend those same gifts to others. However, even when we as believers struggle to forgive, God accepts us unconditionally.
Everything changed after the cross, death and resurrection of Jesus. As you begin to comprehend His kingdom principles through what Jesus accomplished, it completely changes how you read Scripture. You begin to grasp why Jesus’ sacrifice is preached as Good News!
As believers, we are forgiven—no strings attached!