Matthew

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Bible Question (short): Is forgiving the unrepentent scriptural?

Question (full): Most evangelists and preachers on radio, TV and the Internet say to "forgive everyone" of every wrong ever perpetrated against you, by anyone and any group (such as a company, an organization, etc.), regardless whether they repented or compensated for their wrongdoings or not! In contrast, Luke 17:3-4 tells us a very different story! In fact, Luke 17:3 COMMANDS us to REBUKE the perpetrator(s), and only extend CONDITIONAL forgiveness to them, IF the perpetrators REPENT of their wrongdoings! When Jesus was dying on the cross, He said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Was His request granted by the Father, or not? If so, wouldn't that mean that everyone was forgiven of every sin and transgression forevermore, with "no repentence required" at any time? If so, then why would ANYONE ever need the "conversion experience" of being "born again?" In fact, couldn't everybody just get a bible, then begin intentionally violating every law, precept and suggestion in the bible, as many times as possible, and then, upon dying, be welcomed into heaven for all eternity, only because of what Jesus said on the cross? Matthew 18:15 decscribes how a believer is supposed to "confront" an offender about sins or transgressions, and if that person refuses to repent (or acknowledge his or her transgressions), the matter is to be brought before an ever increasing amount of people, putting ever increasing pressure on the offender to repent and make restitution to those harmed. But, in the scenario where UNconditional forgiveness is granted to the UNrepentent, why does Matt 18:15 and related even exist in the bible? In other words, under what circumstances would Matthew 18:15 even apply? Considering the existence of both Luke 17:3-4 and Matt 18:15 and following, it appears that is is totally UNscriptural to forgive the UNrepentent. In closing this question, Matthew 21:12-13 depicts Jesus rebuking those who tried to make a temple into a marketplace. Were those who were put out of the temple wicked people? Jesus Himself referred to them as a "den of thieves", so what do you think? I mentioned this in case somebody wants to refer to a scripture that says one should not rebuke the wicked for any reason.

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Matthew

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