Is it Forgivable Not to Forgive?

Abstract

Several passages in the New Testament make 
a connection between God’s forgiveness and 
our forgiveness of one another. There are three 
different emphases on this theme in the New 
Testament. 1) God’s forgiveness requires the 
disciple to forgive his neighbour (e.g. Mk 
11:15). This emphasis is also present both 
before and after the New Testament (e.g. Sir 
27:30-28:7; T. Zeb. 5:3). 2) God’s forgiveness 
demands forgiveness. Where this fails, God may 
withdraw His mercy (Mt 18:23-35). In this 
case, God’s prior but conditional forgiveness 
sets the tone. 3. God forgives, which motivates 
us to forgive (Col 3:13; Eph 4:32). There is no 
warning here, but these verses also clarify the 
disciple’s responsibility.
This study points to the emphasis in the 
New Testament, especially in the Synoptics, 
that following Christ is illusory if there is no 
forgiveness of one another.