Seventy Times Seven

If we expect to be forgiven by God, we must first freely offer forgiveness to others, and to do so continually. Or so says Jesus, anyway. Forgiveness is given by God freely when we ask for it, but we must in turn give forgiveness freely to others, not out of mere “gratitude” or as an optional, grudging act (and when we feel like it) but willingly, and with a contrite heart. This is a condition of our forgiveness by God. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, says Jesus, and this surely applies to forgiveness, which he speak about frequently. When the Scribes told Jesus that only God can forgive sins, Jesus corrected them, and by example, taught that all men should forgive others’ sins and trespasses. When Peter asks how many times we must forgive others, Jesus says “Seventy times seven” times. In other words, continually and without end. This comes as a great shock to those who believe they need “do” nothing to achieve communion with God eternally, but they have been greatly misled. Forgiveness, more than almost any other doctrine, is a the core of the faith Jesus preached. And if Jesus can, in his dying breath, forgive those who murdered him, we can forgive those who offend us with their gossip and other petty offenses. Our God, revealed to us by Jesus, is a God of high expectations, and believes that we are able to meet and exceed them. I believe Jesus. Thus endeth the sermon.

Scripture cited:

“And forgive us our debts, AS  we forgive our debtors. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matt. 6:12, 14-15

"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." Mark 11:24-25

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” Matt. 18:21-22

“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” Luke 12:48

“Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4

Reformation Sunday: Commemorating a FAILURE to Reform ENOUGH!

Want to know what's REALLY scary this Halloween? It was also Reformation Day in so-called "Reformed" Churches.

Why scary? Why "so-called?" Because the Reformation of the 16th Century failed to go far enough to pull Christianity out of Ancient and Dark Age thinking about God, and millions still believe in SCARY-wrong doctrines.

Sadly. almost 100% of Christians are unaware they are even infected

with these theological diseases.

Like the scary belief by "Reformer" Martin Luther that one can "sin boldly!" because we are secure in a one-time-only salvation event without the requirement of obedience to secure that Salvation (a Scary-unbiblical lesson, one that modern evangelicals learned so well, they think Jesus taught it. They're only 1550 years off!)

The Reformers failed to go back far enough and cure "Saint" Augustine's SCARY-false belief that God's commands can only be obeyed IF He gives us the ability to do so in advance ("Give what you command, then command what you will.") Scary-unbiblical, that is, because if we have a duty to obey, and will be judged according to our ACTS, we must be free to act by a just God, whom otherwise would be at fault for not obeying. And, good news, the Scriptures say we are free and morally able to obey.

And millions, thanks to so-called Reformer John Calvin, now believe in SCARY Calvinist doctrines like God damning souls to a scary eternal hell - BEFORE WE WERE EVEN BORN! Making a mockery of Jesus' call to Repent, Believe and Obey his words. He also oversaw a vile re-VAMPing of the Augustine-created Original Sin doctrine that pretends we are Zombies who are unable to do good, and ALWAYS are compelled to do evil (despite our Master Jesus's commands and clear trust in us that we CAN to do good - and should do so, continually.)

(Dare I mention the other scary belief by the One who often contradicted the Savior, by claiming good works are "filthy rags" in the eyes of God? No, but that Antichrist's mis-perception needs urgent Reformation, one day, too.)

So I hope those who attended Reformation Sunday services this weekend did so knowing that their Reformation is incomplete. To say the least, and repent quickly of these spooky, innovative doctrines.