Bible Question:
I am trying to find the passage that about being forgiven only seven times somthing. A discussion brought up the question that we are not free to keep sinning as much as we want and then keep asking for forgiveness. Is there a reference in the bible that we will only be forgiven so many times? Carla |
Bible Answer: The verse you are looking for is in Matthew 18:21-22: 21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769. This verse does not mean that there is a limit upon how many times we can be forgivin. 70 times 7 was in that time a meaning of infinity. Ther is no limit to God's Grace. Also remember that Christ died once for all sin(Read Colossians 2). When he died on the cross all of our sins were future, he paid for them all in his death. So in a sense he only has to forgive you once. All sins you commit after that have already been paid for. This does not mean we can just go on sinning b/c if we are new creatures sin is just not who we are anymore! A true beleiver will sin as long as he is in this mortal body, but as a true beleiver he has the holy spirit in his/her life to give them power over sin and give them a desire to serve God out of a response for what he has done for them. They won't live in sin b/c they are new creatures. I hope this helps! Try Reading the whole book of Romans in one sitting(take about 45 min) Ask the Holy Spirit the help you understand what Paul is saying here. He deals directly with your question! Keep Studying! Pastor S |