There the Seculars Go Again

The idea that we are to forgive before repentance is false, misleading and has it's origins is secular psychology.

Psychology says that it is "closure" for the victim, to prevent bitterness toward the offender. There are also no scriptures that indicate that we automatically bitter because others will not repent and cannot be forgiven.

When we remove the consequences of evil behavior we solidify the attitude of entitlement. To obey God and wait to forgive when someone is broken over their sin, is to help in the process of a changed heart. When there is no changed heart there will not be changed behavior.

We are to forgive as God did, that is when someone has confessed that they have sinned and want to be forgiven.

Christ never forgives when there is lack of repentance.

The modern book "The Shack" brings the false doctrine that everyone is saved no matter their attitude, that repentance is not required, even sorrow over sin is not important.

We have been steeped in the modern psychology so long, many cannot wrap their minds around the truth. Because we believe we should forgive without repentance, the culture is soft on sin, understanding toward those who need punishment, while minimizing justice for victims. The softer on sin we are, the more disrespect for a holy God is seen. Even the slightest sin is an offense deserving of hell in the eyes of God.

When we are more concerned about being loved and appreciated than we are in the welfare and changed lives of the sinner, we thwart their progress and the blessing of a new life free from the sin that at one time dominated and controlled them.

When we do not address sin and do as God would do, we assign to the sinner an ongoing life struggle with something they could be freed from through repentance.

John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

James 5:20 "19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20 consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins."

Each time we confess our sin in brokenness we are more aware of sin as a whole while building up a strong desire in our own soul to avoid that which causes pain in our own lives and the lives of others, even offending the very heart of God.

Let's do the hard work of keeping others and ourselves accountable according to the Scriptures and not the secular way of the world.

God's way is always best, the devil's way sounds good and happy but leads to destruction and continual bondage.

Proverbs 14:11-13 "…11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish. 12 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And the end of joy may be grief.…"

Berean Research, The Shack

For anyone who is confused or unaware of the book "The Shack" or the movie by the same name, you might want to consider the ways in which the story demeans and mocks the truth of God's Word. Here is a excerpt from an article which critiques the story.

From the Berean Research:

"You may also want to check out the Thirteen Heresies in The Shack, written by Michael Youssef. Here is what he wrote about those 13 concerns along with what the Bible says about them:

1. God the Father was crucified with Jesus.

Because God’s eyes are pure and cannot look upon sin, the Bible says that God would not look upon His own beloved Son as He hung on the Cross, carrying our sins (Habakkuk 1:13; Matthew 27:45).

2. God is limited by His love and cannot practice justice.

The Bible declares that God’s love and His justice are two sides of the same coin — equally a part of the personality and the character of God (Isaiah 61:8; Hosea 2:19).

3. On the Cross, God forgave all of humanity, whether they repent or not. Some choose a relationship with Him, but He forgives them all regardless.

Jesus explained that only those who come to Him will be saved (John 14:6).

4. Hierarchical structures, whether they are in the Church or in the government, are evil.

Our God is a God of order (Job 25:2).

5. God will never judge people for their sins.

The Word of God repeatedly invites people to escape from the judgment of God by believing in Jesus Christ, His Son (Romans 2:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-3).

6. There is not a hierarchical structure in the Godhead, just a circle of unity.

The Bible says that Jesus submitted to the will of the Father. This doesn’t mean that one Person is higher or better than the other; just unique. Jesus said, “I came to do the will of Him who sent me. I am here to obey my Father.” Jesus also said, “I will send you the Holy Spirit” (John 4:34, 6:44, 14:26, 15:26).

7. God submits to human wishes and choices.

Far from God submitting to us, Jesus said, “Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life.” We are to submit to Him in all things, for His glory and because of what He has accomplished for us (Matthew 7:13-15).

8. Justice will never take place because of love.

The Bible teaches that when God’s love is rejected, and when the offer of salvation and forgiveness is rejected, justice must take place or God has sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for nothing (Matthew 12:20; Romans 3:25-26).

9. There is no such a thing as eternal judgment or torment in hell.

Jesus’ own description of hell is vivid … it cannot be denied (Luke 12:5, 16:23).

10. Jesus is walking with all people in their different journeys to God, and it doesn’t matter which way you get to Him.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one will come to the Father but by me” (John 14:6).

11. Jesus is constantly being transformed along with us.

Jesus, who dwells in the splendor of heaven, sits at the right hand of God, reigning and ruling the universe. The Bible says, “In Him there is no change, for He is yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 11:12, 13:8; James 1:17).

12. There is no need for faith or reconciliation with God because everyone will make it to heaven.

Jesus said, “Only those who believe in me will have eternal life” (John 3:15, 3:36, 5:24, 6:40).

13. The Bible is not true because it reduces God to paper.

The Bible is God-breathed. Sure, there were many men through 1,800 years who put pen to paper (so to speak), each from different professions and different backgrounds, but the Holy Spirit infused their work with God’s words. These men were writing the same message from Genesis to Revelation. If you want to read more about the place of Christ in the Scripture, read “We Preach Christ” (2 Timothy 3:16)."