That was easy (whew). My two cents, that is. Here it is again:
But here's a little more. I was on my way to pick up the grandkids at their bus stop and when I got there I saw my son standing dutifully and watching for the bus. Huh? I thought he wanted the grandpa babysitter?!? But his friend had injured himself and he had just canceled plans and got home just in time to pick them up but also while I am driving you can't get me on the cell. That did give a chance to discuss the subject pretty well. Can we forgive sins??
I started by mentioning the sandal and dust and how we are given authority in this. Seems pretty clear that we can retain sins but I don't think it would be forever. I'm not sure what God plans for all these things and I dare not say what has not been given but that's the start that I used when I presented the question to my son. So then, and from there, the idea is that if we are equipped to do that? To take off our sandals and remove the dust from our feet? And since we know that God is good and that he is reluctant to punish, taking no joy in such things... well... it follows (maybe) that the compliment to that authority is also ours.
But that is a long way short of coming up with Scriptural proof of the premise. We looked at James and saw what he said with the full authority and unction of the Holy Spirit and concluded that the Word of God that
"he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way," is a very specific circumstance. We know that angels rejoice at the covering of sins and that happens at the time of salvation -- and we understand from James that God is at least willing to share some of that by saying here that if any convert they are at least given credit for being part of that covering -- but this too doesn't quite (yet) satisfy as authority. Also, I take note that James was talking about a brother who had backslidden. Our conclusion is that this is a little more difficult than a simple yes or no (apologies to
Deborah13 but she knows that it's okay and that there is no risk to take a Berean (noble) approach and try to prove stuff). This is not a "yes" or "no" thing, again, not IMO.
So from the premise that God is Good and given that we do have authority to do the sandal/dust thing (go ahead and give that more scrutiny - I like it when we join in purpose even if the outcome that I support, at the moment, isn't established) --but given that, it is reasonable to think that we would also be able to forgive. Like others have said, certainly we are told to and commanded to forgive those who trespass against us. But that wasn't the new ground we were looking for.
From there the idea developed that we are already joined into the ministry of Christ. There is a call to our hearts in an Isaiah68 way. We are in the ministry of reconciliation by default. That's what is being done and that's what we hope to do. But, and again, my reasoning doesn't quite satisfy. Or in other words, I feel like I'm getting closer to the truth of the matter here (or rather, that my son and I were) but there's still something missing. The slave in the household does not know what the master is doing -- but we are (or are called to be) friends to the master of the house.
Oh! Now I think I might know what the missing part is. And I don't mean to change the subject and I know already that what I'm about to say is controversial (maybe even more so than the presumption of forgiving sin authoritatively - after all, that's what our Jesus got killed for, at least in part - making himself equal with God)... but here goes. Jesus asked that we might be one with the Father even as He is.
And after the first warning, comes another. Meat is not for those just weaned. Take a moment to pray before you contend with me and know that I am putting myself and my deep parts out there and I really don't want to get smacked in the head for doing that -- I've taken pains to trace and then report the trail of thinking. I'm trying to prove what another brother has heard in his spirit as true. At least acknowledge the effort is for a good cause, right? But there is a time that is coming... and is not yet.
Paul tells us to prophecy. He makes no bones about it and says that he wants us all to prophecy for the sake of edification. Paul told us to prophecy because we edify that way. Everbody in the body of Christ. All. But how can that be? Should we all try to tell horoscopes and make up fortunes and stuff like,
"You have amazing kindness that flows from within you. Everyone who's experienced it is grateful for you." Is that what Paul meant? No.
We are to boldly go to the Throne of Grace. WE are to live and dwell and remain in Christ and He in us. That's where we are called to, that's why we left our own and forsook all others and that's the whole enchilada. And we're to do that so much that we become more and more like Him. That's what is ours as an inheritance. But have I done this? Frankly no. I have continuously sinned in one way (certain ways more than others) and in other ways also and have never put on that garment that was purchased for me. You know. That white wedding garment which is the righteousness of Christ. I'm in danger of falling (failing?) due to lack of discipline in a 1 Corinthians 9:27 way - and I know that I am slave to the master to whom I submit my members to. There is no "spotless" and pure part of me because of the utterly sinful nature of sin which remains in me. Quick attempt to support would be the admonishment to run the race with the idea of crossing the finish line. So if that's the idea, don't bash me for having it. It came from a good place. Also recall that Paul asked thrice regarding a thorn but was told to satisfy and content himself with the Grace given. But he never said, "Golly, I should not have asked to be perfected... and neither should you." Again we are commanded to run with the finish line instead. Okay - I can't do better than that without going way off tract. Enuf said.
But if that were different and if I were now in the place where we are all called to - in communion with Jesus, and not just like I am right now but constantly and if somebody came and said, "Master, I see that you are a man of God, and I do need forgiveness... What should I do?" Should I take a moment and then rely on the Holy Spirit in me for the answer? But wait, I can almost hear some say... We are told that there will be tremendous deception such that even the very elect would believe the lie - save that God won't let that happen and will cut the time short -- So even this moment, I am to be caution in my proclamation.
You've heard of the patience of the saints? What if we could save? What if our relationship with our Father was so mature and established and what if we were to operate the Gift of Prophecy and what if we were told to be bold and to speak as Oracles, and what if we understood the heart and the mind of God? Well? No man can see the face of God (and live) but what if we had died to sin. It is given man once to die. Once. My answer?
I dunno. Sorry, but I'm not there and am not qualified to answer. If somebody asked for my forgiveness of their sin against God I think I would be more than willing to go with them to Him and to ask for them to say the amen -- and then God would forgive. That's the best I could come up with but I am very willing to hear and think and pray about other responses.
Thanks for letting me share this with you. I'll keeping seeking.
~Sparrow
