| dc.description.abstract | Forgiveness must be regarded as one of the most
profound and essentlal of all human needs, because all human
beings are sinners. Forgiveness transcends human
understanding. The approach of this study to the topic of
forgiveness, includes the different phases of forgiveness,
the reality of divine grace, and the incomparable value of
forgiveness as experienced in the personal life of the
sinner.
This research explores the true meaning of divine
forgiveness in the personal life of the believer. Divine
forgiveness is truly unlimited in terms of the number of
people who are forgiven and the number of their mistakes.
This unconditional forgiveness testifies of God's unbounded
grace to humanity. However, there is a sin which is not
included in the category of unlimited forgiveness.
In the approach of this study to an understanding of
the unpardonable sin, the definition of forgiveness is first
defined, beginning with a study of the essential nature of
humankind. This study observes that all human beings are
tied with an invislble bond of sin when they are born. This
invisible bond influences all relationships in the human
experience. In order for God to forgive sins, the bond must
be untied to allow a new relationship. How does God break
this bond to forgive the sinner? If one is bound
irreversibly with death, the condition of such a status is
termed in this study unpardonabie sin. Conversely, if one
is bound with life, the condition of that status is termed
forgiven by God. Therefore, God's resolution for the human
bond may mean life or death.
Both sclentific and theologlcal research have been
conducted regarding the nature of humanity at birth. This
paper focuses on the first Adam and the second Adam in
relation to the understandlng of God's condemnation and
forgiveness. An understanding of the unpardonable sin is
drawn from the conclusion of the study which centers in
God's unllmited forgiveness to all human beings in the
context of the daily life of the human subject.
Finally, the new birth experience and the believer's
ensuing relationship with God are addressed. This
relationship originates from the new blrth made posslble by
the second Adam. The person who has been recreated in the
new image of God may experience a new relationship with God.
The newborn person may also have the same loving
relatlonship with people.
According to the development of this study, although
God's forgiveness for man's transgressions is unlimited,
there is also a sin termed "unpardonable" in the life
experlence of human beings. This study offers an avenue
whereby indlviduals may find release from human bondage and
new hope for a life of victory. It parallels God's system
of forgiveness with the making of a wedding garment for the
salnts. Implicit in this understanding of God's forglveness
and the unpardonable sin is God's call to humanity to accept
the robe which the redeemed will wear in heaven forever. | en_US |
