"IWLTK" EP2

Forgiving Those We Don’t Want to Forgive

Forgiving others is an essential, though often difficult, part of the Christian journey. Jesus tells us that when we forgive others, we open ourselves to the fullness of God’s grace (Matthew 6:14-15). Yet, forgiveness can feel impossible when we’re deeply hurt. In these moments, we can rely on prayer and the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts, recognizing that forgiving isn’t necessarily about condoning an action but about freeing ourselves from anger and bitterness. It’s a path of healing that allows us to become more like Christ, who demonstrated ultimate forgiveness on the cross.

Will God Truly Forgive All Sins?

The promise of complete forgiveness through Christ is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. First John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This assurance means that no sin is too great for God’s forgiveness if we come to Him sincerely. The sacrifice of Jesus was designed to bridge the gap our sins created, allowing us to receive a clean slate and build a restored relationship with God.

Bible Versions: Understanding the Differences

The Bibles commonly used by SDAs, like the New King James Version (NKJV), Reina-Valera, and New International Version (NIV), differ slightly from the Catholic Bible, which includes additional books called the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books. Books like Tobit, Judith, and Maccabees, while valued by Catholics, aren’t considered part of the inspired canon by many Protestant denominations, including SDAs. The shared books in these versions remain largely similar, although there are some translation differences. Adventists may prioritize versions without the Apocryphal books to align closely with doctrinal beliefs, but reading a Catholic Bible isn’t inherently discouraged; it’s more about studying scripture with a clear understanding of one’s faith perspective.

Why Don’t SDAs Observe Old Testament Festivals?

Leviticus 23 outlines various biblical festivals, from Passover to the Feast of Booths, which were to be observed by the Israelites. These ceremonies had a particular role in Israelite society, often foreshadowing key aspects of Christ’s ministry, such as His sacrificial death (Passover) and His priestly role (Day of Atonement). For Adventists, the understanding is that Jesus’ life and ministry fulfilled these feasts’ spiritual purposes, completing the ceremonial laws (Hebrews 10:1-10). Because of this, SDAs observe only the Sabbath, which predates these feasts and remains central to worship, representing both creation and redemption.