Doesn't it seem that God can forgive the past and look at a persons heart and intention? Why do we choose to dwell only on the past?
2006-10-25 01:26:06 · 17 answers · asked by Debra M. Wishing Peace To All 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, Debra, I seriously don't think it works like that. God had designs for Paul in his dispensation for Christianity. Also, Peter was in a wholly different position to work to build His church. So we cannot be compared with such personages.
God cannot forgive sin unless we are "born-again" spiritually through Jesus. And even at that, we still don't know if our "original sin" is erased. Sin is sin. It is up to each individual to seek some atonement, regardless of intentions. Forgiveness is not automatic.
Under what circumstances and in what manner would God forgive the past, Debra? If I murder someone, should I be forgiven by God? I'm subject to the law of the land and be punished, but the sin stays until I accept the Lord and be forgiven. Get my drift?
I don't know what you mean by dwelling on the past in regards to forgiveness, sorry.
2006-10-25 06:54:38 · answer #1 · answered by Sick Puppy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think there are many times that God forgives us. But, we need to learn to forgive ourselves. God doesn't want us dwelling on things of the past. When we accept salvation the bible says all things are made new. We are new creatures. Anything we did in the past has been forgotten. I'm a firm believer that Satan will plant a seed of doubt and step back and watch us destroy ourselves.
2006-10-25 08:33:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they did. God of course forgives the past, but God also expects people to change (as those two did) away from evil ways.
We, however, are not God. Humans cannot see a person's heart or know their intention, and many of us do not forget past wrongs.
2006-10-25 08:28:09 · answer #3 · answered by kingstubborn 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you are right, indeed about peter and paul. it is hard for some people to forget the past but that is just exactly what they should do. Jesus will pardon EVERY sin and forgive and FORGET the past if we ask Him. we can find comfort in the Holy Spirit through Christ who said, "old things are passed away. behold, I make all things new"
2006-10-25 08:33:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because the future is unknown to us, whereas the past is a place of comfort from some.
Paul truly did persecute believers thru ignorance and unbelief..It took a very special encounter, for him to turn from his past ways. But he was still able to use his past life as a witness to what had happened to him...
People spend many years developing their history, that may be one reason it's so hard to put it aside...
2006-10-25 08:40:35 · answer #5 · answered by Madmax 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Great point. People tend to throw out the baby with the bath water. They condemn the whole for what an individual has done. Very judgemental.
2006-10-25 08:29:12 · answer #6 · answered by Search4truth 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well God does forgive our past, its us who doesn't forget. God knows our heart to but becareful there because our heart can be wicked.
Jer 17:9 The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked : who can know it?
Satan will not let you forget your past. Not always is it satan, its this rotten flesh.
2006-10-25 08:34:22 · answer #7 · answered by iwant_u2_wantme2000 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As is always the case if we ignore the past it will once again bite us in the apostrophe. Even if problems in history are corrected because of the flesh they will reappear.
2006-10-25 08:38:40 · answer #8 · answered by ronnysox60 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi my name is Eunice Saunders. The reason is that we are human and are "followers" of Christ, yet we still are sinners and fall short of the mark! Perhaps the more we follow Him the more we become like Him? Perhaps as we mature as Christians we will become more forgiving? Blessings to you and yours, Eunice
2006-10-25 08:30:44 · answer #9 · answered by Eunice Melinda Saunders 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are a true follower of Jesus you wouldn't.Jesus said he having his hand to the plow and looking back is not fit for the kingdom of God.
2006-10-25 08:30:21 · answer #10 · answered by jackiedj8952 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋