Isn't it a cop-out to ask for Jesus' forgiveness while neglecting to ask for that of those you sinned against

Question

I keep hearing Christians telling me about their sinful lives before finding Jesus, then following up with "but it's ok because Jesus/God forgives me!" Isn't that the ultimate karmic cop-out? I mean, yes, you sinned against somebody... you did somebody harm. How is it considered attonement however, to ask your imaginary friend who you already love for forgiveness? If somebody rapes a child and asks Jesus' forgiveness, what does it matter when the child is still laying there, frightened and trembling, covered with your bodily fluids? Isn't this assumption of an all-forgiving god-figure really just an unlimited liscense to sin and sin and sin again... since all these sins are washed away every time you grovel to an unrelated party on sunday? How does one man dying 2,000 years ago somehow justify your raping a child today?

Answer 1

Mat 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Mat 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
Mat 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Repentence is not only about sins against God, but also against our brothers. Although your points are somewhat crude IMO, you are correct. These people end up 'crucifying Messiah anew'. They ignore Hebrews 10...
Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Answer 2

It doesn`t!!!

Part of forgiveness from God means :you have to repent, and ask the forgiveness of the offended ,and if possible, make amends. It also means you have to forgive yourself...
Also you have to justify your works. You just don`t get away with bad stuff. There is a reckoning..

But see, there are Good and Bad in all. Christians are NOT perfect. Never will be. We are All Human beings with a carnal body.

Now, it seems to me that "if" you could do that kind of thing, you obviously CHOOSE to do it. Thus you don`t feel sorry as it happens or after wards, or sorrow about it or repent, and making it right will never happen.

Nothing is Free!!!!!!!

Peace & God bless from Texas <><

Answer 3

Yes, Christ died for our sins and that is used by Christians often. But - that is not the license to keep sinning and asking for forgiveness.

Anyone who truly accepts Christ cannot remain in his own skin, his old sinful habits give way to fresh renewing of the spirit. That is why there is constant emphasis on prayer on a daily basis.

That does not mean that the man becomes perfect, but that his heart is revealed before God. If he is like a hypocrite, constantly saying things he doesn't mean, he hasn't truly repented in the first place.

Answer 4

From a Christian perspective:
You are absolutely correct.
Jesus never told anyone that they could just do whatever they pleased, and then ask forgiveness, and all would be OK. Perhaps you didn't realize that "repent" means more than just saying "I'm sorry". It also means doing all you can to make amends for your misdeeds. We call it "atonement".
Jesus did not come to condone violence.
Especially in the case of child abuse.
Jesus loves the children. According to Him, the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them.

Look at it this way for a minute.
Jesus came into the world in order to reconcile the world to Himself.
It makes sense, then, that His first appearance would be as our Gentle Shepherd. He is calling all of those who look for a Kingdom of Peace to Himself, Who is the Prince of Peace.
However, it also makes sense that our Shepherd will return as a Warrior of Wrath, taking vengence on all of those who would harm His children.

Answer 5

If Hitler came to God sincerely asking forgiveness, He would be faithful and just to forgive him!
Jus because a person is now right with God DOESN'T mean that he is to not face the consequences of his heinous act! But even this person will see Heaven before those who have committed the ultimate sin before their death...which is not turning to God during their lifetime! Times running out!

Answer 6

You are supposed to ask the offended party to forgive you. It's not a license to sin. Repentance means turning completely away from that behavior. God bless!!

Answer 7

Bert and Utuk said it well. You obviously have no understanding of Christianity...REAl Christianity.

Who are you to say that God is an "Imaginary friend." Can you prove that he is imaginary?

No Christian sins over and over and over and says he/she is forgiven. God knows His true followers.

I think rapists ought to be castrated and imprisoned for the rest of their lives, having said all that. Rape is the worst crime imaginable.

You might like to change your avatar. It's pretty scary, and children do come here, you know.
You seem so concerned for children. I am sure you'll want to change it.

Answer 8

Thats part of asking for forgiveness. You go to the ones you have sinned against and apologize. One can not truly repent if they have not sought forgiveness from the ones they sinned against

Answer 9

We will be judged as we have judged others. We will be forgiven as we have forgiven others. We are to repent of sins and turn away from the sins. We are to love everyone, not hurt them. God's Grace and Love does not give us a license to do whatever we want. He is merciful and just and wants us all to have a chance to be with Him. God will judge us...all of us.

God Bless.

Answer 10

we have no idea what goes on inside a person's mind or heart. all we can do is hope that, that person changed for the good. salvation and repentance is between the individual and God. I've sinned and i still do sin. I'm only human. all i can do is repent and try my hardest to turn away from that sin and live my life for Christ.