What is the meaning of ‘forgiveness’ in the Lord’s
prayer? Does God’s forgiveness upon our sins serve as a legitimization for us to
approach him in prayer? Or does our willingness to forgive others serve as a justification for us to enter the sacred place of prayer? In both cases, forgiveness seems to serve as basic requirement for a correct Christian prayer. And still another question: Does ‘forgiveness’ simply say that God is perfect
and we are defect? This question shows that everybody can actually approach God in
prayers no matter how sinful he or she is. Prayer is a direct communication
between a defect human being and a perfect God.
Allow me to share with you some points on this issue. The ultimate
source of forgiveness of sins is God himself. It is not wrong to ask God for a brand
new expensive Ferrari, a rich and generous person however can give it to us immediately. It is not wrong to ask God for As, but more reading and
studying will lead us to better GPA. But forgiveness of sins is only authorized
by God. As the teachers of law rightly observed, only God alone can forgive sins
(Mark 2.7). Yes, we are called to forgive our spouses, children, friends and relatives,
but we do not forgive their sins – only God does wash our sins away. God’s
forgiveness is a different genre of forgiveness from ours. God's forgiveness is not exactly the same
with our person to person forgiveness encouraged by Christian lifestyle.
Since prayer is an approach to the holy throne of God, the most important and therefore the most necessary request would naturally be forgiveness. The main possible logical reason of visiting a gas station is to buy gasoline. The logic purpose of entering a restaurant is to find food. And the logic purpose of entering the sacred place of prayer is to ask for God's forgiveness. God is the only one being able to authorize complete forgiveness, even great churches, famous pastors and acclaimed religious leaders do not sell forgiveness. Asking for God's forgiveness shows (1) that we are defect: it is real anyway; (2) that God is perfect: no one is but him; (3) that we are in need of being transformed continuously from our broken image towards the image and likeness of God. This truth is theologically sound and essential for all believers - I confess.
The Lord's Prayer also encourages us to forgive those who sin against us. Two parables may stand behind this simple encouragement: the parable of the Two Debtors in Luke 7.41-43, and the parable of the Unmerciful Servant narrated in Matthew 18.21-35.
Prayer is not a set of rules and requirements. Prayer is not monopolized by certain kinds of people. God welcomes all people to approach him - I think. Like prayer like forgiveness. Forgiveness is given free, generously and graciously to us: ask and you will be forgiven! Unlike the picture above, God's forgiveness is also limitless. But still why are we encouraged to forgive others? Forgiving others in the Lord's Prayer most likely is not intended to serve as requirement of obtaining God's forgiveness. Forgiving others in the Lord's prayer is most probably intended to show the overflowing response of gratefulness to the free grace of God in washing away our sins. When forgiveness were to require requirements, no one would have been forgiven. I invite you to experience prayers and forgiveness as God's gracious grace and privilege given to his children.
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