. . . choose this day whom you will serve . . .but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).
The Bible does not speak about what form of civil government is superior to another, but in God's dealing with human kind, He gives human beings the freedom to choose who they will follow. The freedom to choose our civil leaders in one of those God-given, inalienable rights with which human beings have been endowed.
For whom, then, should we vote? For me, the litmus test is life; where does the candidate stand on protecting the most innocent and vulnerable life, the unborn? I do not consider myself a single issue voter, but it seems to me that a candidate's stand on the "life" issue is a window into their soul; is the life in the womb nothing but an unviable tissue mass good only for infant stem cell research or is it a unique human being with its own DNA? First, being pro life means that the candidate will likely be a person of faith, one who is sensitive to God's perspective. Thus the judge up for retention will not legislate matters of faith from the bench; civil unions are for the state, marriage is for the institutions of faith.
Second, if a candidate will stand for the unalienable rights of the unborn, he/she will most likely stand for my rights and freedom. One who is pro abortion will likely think I am not worth the money when I am elderly. Notice that Medicaid is already being defunded.
Third, the candidate who is pro life is more likely to understand the economics of freedom. When people are most free to pursue their vision, working at what interests them, and doing the jobs that step up to their dreams, a great economic dynamo is produced, making more and more prosperity. Government does not produce jobs and money, but government sure can destroy them! While understanding, because of human nature, that government cannot be completely lazze' fare, the pro life candidate understands the sanctity of the fruits of one's risk and labor, knowing that it is not the government's money!
I like my tea hot. I like my tea iced. But know this, no "Bart Stupac" will get my vote! Stupac was not willing to stand against his party for life. That kind of luke-warm stand for life will not get my vote.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
WATER BAPTISM OR SPIRIT BAPTISM: A FALSE CHOICE (Part 5 in a series).
And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join this chariot." . . . Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this scripture he told him the good news of Jesus, And as they went along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What is to prevent my being baptized?" (Acts 8:29,35-36).
The anti water baptists would have you believe that every reference to baptism in the New Testament is Spirit baptism; they would have you believe that I Peter 3:21 is Spirit baptism if the context didn't prevent it, so then they try to tell you why it doesn't mean what it says. As I have taught earlier, water and Spirit baptism are two facets of the one baptism (See part 4). From the text above, the providence of the Spirit moves people to be baptized as well as being the baptizer (I Corinthians 12:13).
Preaching the gospel also demanded teaching a response to the gospel, and baptism was taught as part of the response to the gospel. In the conversion stories of Acts, faith isn't always mentioned because it is obvious that it exists when a person asks in response to hearing the gospel, "Men and brethren, what should we do?" It is interesting that in the conversion accounts, not once is a person instructed to pray the sinners prayer, or bow his head and raise his hand, or some equivalent. Baptism in water with the acaccompanying Holy Spirit was the normal response to the gospel. That was the understanding at the writing of the New Testament and is how it should be understood when one encounters baptism when studying the New Testament, unless it is an obvious metaphor.
for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26-28).
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Note: Whole books have been written on this subject, but I have decided to end the series with this post. I have painted with some very long and broad strokes, but I can back them up with credible scholarship. I understand why there is disagreement on this subject, but as teachers and preachers of the gospel we have the responsibility to rise above the creeds and systematic theologies and teach truthfully from the Bible.
The anti water baptists would have you believe that every reference to baptism in the New Testament is Spirit baptism; they would have you believe that I Peter 3:21 is Spirit baptism if the context didn't prevent it, so then they try to tell you why it doesn't mean what it says. As I have taught earlier, water and Spirit baptism are two facets of the one baptism (See part 4). From the text above, the providence of the Spirit moves people to be baptized as well as being the baptizer (I Corinthians 12:13).
Preaching the gospel also demanded teaching a response to the gospel, and baptism was taught as part of the response to the gospel. In the conversion stories of Acts, faith isn't always mentioned because it is obvious that it exists when a person asks in response to hearing the gospel, "Men and brethren, what should we do?" It is interesting that in the conversion accounts, not once is a person instructed to pray the sinners prayer, or bow his head and raise his hand, or some equivalent. Baptism in water with the acaccompanying Holy Spirit was the normal response to the gospel. That was the understanding at the writing of the New Testament and is how it should be understood when one encounters baptism when studying the New Testament, unless it is an obvious metaphor.
for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26-28).
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Note: Whole books have been written on this subject, but I have decided to end the series with this post. I have painted with some very long and broad strokes, but I can back them up with credible scholarship. I understand why there is disagreement on this subject, but as teachers and preachers of the gospel we have the responsibility to rise above the creeds and systematic theologies and teach truthfully from the Bible.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
BAPTISM AND THE HOLY SPIRIT (4th in a series)
. . . one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all . . . (Ephesians 4:5-6a RSV).
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the othe apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:37-38 NIV).
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit (I Corinthians 12:13 RSV).
One of the characteristics of Christian baptism that is different from John's baptism is the Holy Spirit. John's was, like Christian baptism, an immersion in water on condition of repentence for the forgiveness of sin. The Holy Spirit was not a part of the promise of John's baptism (Note: Acts 19:1-3. Rebaptism was necessary in this case.). If the Holy Spirit is not involved in the baptism, it is not Christian baptism.
So how is it that there is but one Christian baptism, yet it appears that there are two baptisms that are a part of conversion, one in water and one in the Spirit? John 3:5 gives us a clue: . . . unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (RSV). There is one baptism with two facets, the outward baptism in water which dramatizes ones faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the inward baptism of the Spirit, which is the surrender our our spirit to the renewing of the Holy Spirit. Romans 6:6 indicates the baptism of the Spirit when it says, For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--because anyone who has died has been freed from sin (Roman 6:6-7).
Have you received the one baptism?
Our Father's Blessings
Tom
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the othe apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:37-38 NIV).
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit (I Corinthians 12:13 RSV).
One of the characteristics of Christian baptism that is different from John's baptism is the Holy Spirit. John's was, like Christian baptism, an immersion in water on condition of repentence for the forgiveness of sin. The Holy Spirit was not a part of the promise of John's baptism (Note: Acts 19:1-3. Rebaptism was necessary in this case.). If the Holy Spirit is not involved in the baptism, it is not Christian baptism.
So how is it that there is but one Christian baptism, yet it appears that there are two baptisms that are a part of conversion, one in water and one in the Spirit? John 3:5 gives us a clue: . . . unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (RSV). There is one baptism with two facets, the outward baptism in water which dramatizes ones faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the inward baptism of the Spirit, which is the surrender our our spirit to the renewing of the Holy Spirit. Romans 6:6 indicates the baptism of the Spirit when it says, For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--because anyone who has died has been freed from sin (Roman 6:6-7).
Have you received the one baptism?
Our Father's Blessings
Tom
Thursday, September 16, 2010
CHRISTIAN BAPTISM IS BAPTISMA NOT BAPTISMOS (Third in a series)
Baptism is not the washing away of bodily pollution, but the appeal made to God by a good conscience; and it brings salvation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ . . . (I Peter 3:21).
The image of baptism is one of being overwhelmed, whether it is by water, fire or Spirit. Baptisma is the word used 22 times by the inspired writers of the New Testament to describe whole Christian baptism. It is interesting that baptisma is never found outside of the New Testament in ancient literature. Baptismos is a word used both in the New Testament and in ancient literature to describe washings, ceremonial and otherwise, but it is not used to describe Christian baptism because it only focuses on the act. The ma suffix of baptisma indicates the state of mind that accompanies the act of baptism.
What baptisma describes is the surrender of our bodies to the engulfing, overwhelming water as a visual dramatization of our personal trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also descriptive of our personal surrender of our spirit to the Holy Spirit that we might be led of the Spirit from that point on in newness of life.
Some call Christian baptism only an external rite that can easily be faked, but prayers to receive Christ, something never commanded in the New Testament, can be easily faked as well. Pledges to defend and protect the Constitution are easily faked by elected officials. Marriage vows are easily faked too. The fruit of the Spirit is easily faked during low-stress situations. That something can be easily faked does not mean that it is less valid. The qualities essential to true Christian baptism are faith in Christ and a repentant heart.
When a believing and repentant person is baptized he/she is appealing to God (I Peter 3:21), calling on the name of the Lord, to be saved. Baptism is calling on the name of the Lord, and thus Acts 22:16 makes sense: Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away, calling on his name (NIV). The participle explains the action. Baptism is the appeal to the character and promises of God in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
The image of baptism is one of being overwhelmed, whether it is by water, fire or Spirit. Baptisma is the word used 22 times by the inspired writers of the New Testament to describe whole Christian baptism. It is interesting that baptisma is never found outside of the New Testament in ancient literature. Baptismos is a word used both in the New Testament and in ancient literature to describe washings, ceremonial and otherwise, but it is not used to describe Christian baptism because it only focuses on the act. The ma suffix of baptisma indicates the state of mind that accompanies the act of baptism.
What baptisma describes is the surrender of our bodies to the engulfing, overwhelming water as a visual dramatization of our personal trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also descriptive of our personal surrender of our spirit to the Holy Spirit that we might be led of the Spirit from that point on in newness of life.
Some call Christian baptism only an external rite that can easily be faked, but prayers to receive Christ, something never commanded in the New Testament, can be easily faked as well. Pledges to defend and protect the Constitution are easily faked by elected officials. Marriage vows are easily faked too. The fruit of the Spirit is easily faked during low-stress situations. That something can be easily faked does not mean that it is less valid. The qualities essential to true Christian baptism are faith in Christ and a repentant heart.
When a believing and repentant person is baptized he/she is appealing to God (I Peter 3:21), calling on the name of the Lord, to be saved. Baptism is calling on the name of the Lord, and thus Acts 22:16 makes sense: Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away, calling on his name (NIV). The participle explains the action. Baptism is the appeal to the character and promises of God in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
DOES CHRISTIAN BAPTISM HAVE ANY THING TO DO WITH SALVATION? (Second in a series)
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ . . . (I Peter 3:21 RSV).
It should be noted that other translations translate this differently "pledge of a good conscience" or "answer of a good conscience." Read several different versions.
First, I believe that whatever side of the debate, Christians understand that without the gracious incarnation of Christ, his sacrificial and redemptive death, burial and resurrection, there would be no hope of salvation!!! There is not one who is a Christian who thinks otherwise!!!
Having said that, the question remains, does baptism have anything to do with salvation? I Peter 3: 21 should be sufficient to answer the question, but there are numerous Dr's. of divinity and theology who say otherwise because I Peter 3:21 does not fit their systematic theology and creed. Having no creed but Christ, no book but the Bible and no name but the Divine, I only need to preach, teach and defend what God has said in His Word.
Most popular expositors of I Peter 3:21 are embarrassed by it and teach why it doesn't say what it says, "Baptism . . . now saves you . . ." The question about baptism is this, if Jesus saves, what does baptism have to do with that? Understanding the grammar of I Peter 3:21, the answer is self evident. The Greek word that is translated, appeal, answer or pledge, is a legal word. It was used in interrogations, How do you answer? It was used in making a pledge, Do you take this woman to be your wife? I do! It was used in making a profession, I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. Baptism is covenant making. A reading of Romans 6:1-6 bears it out. First, baptism is into the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; baptism connects us with Jesus who is the only Savior. Second, baptism is our own crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection so that we might not any longer be enslaved to sin. In Christian baptism, the new covenant is signed in the blood of Jesus and our own blood.
One of the characteristics of the new covenant, according to Hebrews 8:11, is that upon entrance into the covenant relationship with God, all would know Him. No longer were people physically born into a covenant relationship with God, as in Israel and had to be taught to know the Lord. Knowing the Lord was requisite to entering the new covenant relationship. In Christian baptism, one is answering God's question, one is professing faith, pledging allegiance
Can one be saved without baptism? Can a couple be married without a ceremony? A lot of folks would rather try to have a common-law relationship with the Lord than to humbly submit to Him in Christian baptism. What kind of relationship with Him do you have?
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Note: Some say that since baptism is the answer of a good conscience then the person is already saved since one cannot have a good conscience without salvation. But, that is not true, and it is dangerous to believe that a good conscience is indicative of salvation. There are many people who do evil and wrong things in good conscience, the apostle Paul being one of them. One thing that could never be said of Paul is that he went against his conscience. In Acts 23:1 and 24:16 Paul said that is was the practice of his life to live in good conscience--even when he was persecuting to the death believers in Christ! He believed he was doing God's will, but he was not saved.
Baptism is the answer, profession and pledge of one's sincere faith in Christ. Many substitute the sinners prayer for Christian baptism rather than humbly submit to the request of God to meet us in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It should be noted that other translations translate this differently "pledge of a good conscience" or "answer of a good conscience." Read several different versions.
First, I believe that whatever side of the debate, Christians understand that without the gracious incarnation of Christ, his sacrificial and redemptive death, burial and resurrection, there would be no hope of salvation!!! There is not one who is a Christian who thinks otherwise!!!
Having said that, the question remains, does baptism have anything to do with salvation? I Peter 3: 21 should be sufficient to answer the question, but there are numerous Dr's. of divinity and theology who say otherwise because I Peter 3:21 does not fit their systematic theology and creed. Having no creed but Christ, no book but the Bible and no name but the Divine, I only need to preach, teach and defend what God has said in His Word.
Most popular expositors of I Peter 3:21 are embarrassed by it and teach why it doesn't say what it says, "Baptism . . . now saves you . . ." The question about baptism is this, if Jesus saves, what does baptism have to do with that? Understanding the grammar of I Peter 3:21, the answer is self evident. The Greek word that is translated, appeal, answer or pledge, is a legal word. It was used in interrogations, How do you answer? It was used in making a pledge, Do you take this woman to be your wife? I do! It was used in making a profession, I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. Baptism is covenant making. A reading of Romans 6:1-6 bears it out. First, baptism is into the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; baptism connects us with Jesus who is the only Savior. Second, baptism is our own crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection so that we might not any longer be enslaved to sin. In Christian baptism, the new covenant is signed in the blood of Jesus and our own blood.
One of the characteristics of the new covenant, according to Hebrews 8:11, is that upon entrance into the covenant relationship with God, all would know Him. No longer were people physically born into a covenant relationship with God, as in Israel and had to be taught to know the Lord. Knowing the Lord was requisite to entering the new covenant relationship. In Christian baptism, one is answering God's question, one is professing faith, pledging allegiance
Can one be saved without baptism? Can a couple be married without a ceremony? A lot of folks would rather try to have a common-law relationship with the Lord than to humbly submit to Him in Christian baptism. What kind of relationship with Him do you have?
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Note: Some say that since baptism is the answer of a good conscience then the person is already saved since one cannot have a good conscience without salvation. But, that is not true, and it is dangerous to believe that a good conscience is indicative of salvation. There are many people who do evil and wrong things in good conscience, the apostle Paul being one of them. One thing that could never be said of Paul is that he went against his conscience. In Acts 23:1 and 24:16 Paul said that is was the practice of his life to live in good conscience--even when he was persecuting to the death believers in Christ! He believed he was doing God's will, but he was not saved.
Baptism is the answer, profession and pledge of one's sincere faith in Christ. Many substitute the sinners prayer for Christian baptism rather than humbly submit to the request of God to meet us in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Monday, September 13, 2010
CHRISTIAN BAPTISM
The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men? (Matthew 21:25)
Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John . . . Priscilla and Aquilla heard him, they took him and expounded to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:24-26).
I just finished reading a blog by a Dr. of ministry or theology or divinity, it was never made clear, on why baptism had nothing to do with salvation. Now who am I to argue with a Dr.? Many are the doctors out there who are able preachers of the gospel that stumble over the response to the gospel of Christ because they are more in love with their systems of theology and creeds than the word of God. For them baptism is something that needs to be explained away rather than accurately taught. They need to answer about Christian baptism the same question that Jesus posed to the religious leaders of his day on earth about John's baptism, is it from Heaven or is it of men? If Christian baptism is of men then it is not important, but if it is of God, then it must be understood and taught accurately!
Apollos was a great gospel preacher, but he taught the baptism of John. What was the matter with that? The difference is only a triviality--nothing to get excited about. But any preacher and/or teacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ must teach it accurately. Prisilla and Aquilla, in a spirit of love, took the time to explain the difference between John's baptism and Christian baptism so that Apollos could preach the good news of Christ, and the response to it, more accurately.
Because my time for writing is limited, over the next 2 or 3 "silver bullets" I attempt to teach more accurately about Christian baptism than is generally taught from the pulpits of our churches. Almost every church preaches the gospel, the good news that we can have salvation; it is found only in Jesus Christ who is the Lord and Savior. But when it comes to how one is to respond to the gospel, the answers are different. How important is Christian baptism in the response to the gospel? That is the question I will attempt to answer over the next 2 or 3 postings.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John . . . Priscilla and Aquilla heard him, they took him and expounded to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:24-26).
I just finished reading a blog by a Dr. of ministry or theology or divinity, it was never made clear, on why baptism had nothing to do with salvation. Now who am I to argue with a Dr.? Many are the doctors out there who are able preachers of the gospel that stumble over the response to the gospel of Christ because they are more in love with their systems of theology and creeds than the word of God. For them baptism is something that needs to be explained away rather than accurately taught. They need to answer about Christian baptism the same question that Jesus posed to the religious leaders of his day on earth about John's baptism, is it from Heaven or is it of men? If Christian baptism is of men then it is not important, but if it is of God, then it must be understood and taught accurately!
Apollos was a great gospel preacher, but he taught the baptism of John. What was the matter with that? The difference is only a triviality--nothing to get excited about. But any preacher and/or teacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ must teach it accurately. Prisilla and Aquilla, in a spirit of love, took the time to explain the difference between John's baptism and Christian baptism so that Apollos could preach the good news of Christ, and the response to it, more accurately.
Because my time for writing is limited, over the next 2 or 3 "silver bullets" I attempt to teach more accurately about Christian baptism than is generally taught from the pulpits of our churches. Almost every church preaches the gospel, the good news that we can have salvation; it is found only in Jesus Christ who is the Lord and Savior. But when it comes to how one is to respond to the gospel, the answers are different. How important is Christian baptism in the response to the gospel? That is the question I will attempt to answer over the next 2 or 3 postings.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Thursday, September 09, 2010
TRY FORGIVENESS
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses ( Mark 11:25 RSV).
Some of the goals of marriage counseling are to improve communication, to increase understanding in each spouse and to build conflict resolution skills. While being successful in accomplishing these goals in marriage counseling is a good thing, and is exceedingly helpful, nevertheless, healing will never be complete unless there is forgiveness.
When Jesus taught about forgiveness he tended to frame it in financial terms; "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." People are familiar with finance so it makes forgiveness a little more easy to understand when he pictures forgiveness this way. When a debt is forgiven, the note is put through the paper shredder; there is no longer a legal basis to hold the debtor accountable for his debt. Though the debt might not be forgotten, it cannot be brought up again.
That two sinful people can be united in marriage and not hurt one another is nearly impossible and that is why forgiveness is so necessary. Most of the time the hurts are minor, sometimes they are major, but always they will be sources of anger and conflict unless they are forgiven. Forgiveness is a core value of being a Christian; to forgive is to love like God loves in Jesus Christ.
One of the hindrances to effective prayer is when forgiveness is withheld even when it is asked for by the spouse. God will not hear our prayers if we do not forgive the one who has hurt us.
My understanding of Christian forgiveness is that it is not unconditional; there must be a change of mind which is repentance. Sometimes there are pathological abusers out there who take advantage of forgiveness as a means to continue the abuse, but to ask for forgiveness implies a desire to change. According to first John 1:9 forgiveness is conditioned on the offender recognizing his behavior as sinful and thus asking for forgiveness.
God loves each person; Jesus died for all. The sins of every person are paid for in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ--while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). God stands willing to forgive anyone who recognizes their sin and embraces Jesus Christ as their lord and savior. Apart from that they stand unforgiven. Likewise, we must be so ready to forgive that forgiveness is a foregone conclusion if one asks us for forgiveness!!!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Some of the goals of marriage counseling are to improve communication, to increase understanding in each spouse and to build conflict resolution skills. While being successful in accomplishing these goals in marriage counseling is a good thing, and is exceedingly helpful, nevertheless, healing will never be complete unless there is forgiveness.
When Jesus taught about forgiveness he tended to frame it in financial terms; "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." People are familiar with finance so it makes forgiveness a little more easy to understand when he pictures forgiveness this way. When a debt is forgiven, the note is put through the paper shredder; there is no longer a legal basis to hold the debtor accountable for his debt. Though the debt might not be forgotten, it cannot be brought up again.
That two sinful people can be united in marriage and not hurt one another is nearly impossible and that is why forgiveness is so necessary. Most of the time the hurts are minor, sometimes they are major, but always they will be sources of anger and conflict unless they are forgiven. Forgiveness is a core value of being a Christian; to forgive is to love like God loves in Jesus Christ.
One of the hindrances to effective prayer is when forgiveness is withheld even when it is asked for by the spouse. God will not hear our prayers if we do not forgive the one who has hurt us.
My understanding of Christian forgiveness is that it is not unconditional; there must be a change of mind which is repentance. Sometimes there are pathological abusers out there who take advantage of forgiveness as a means to continue the abuse, but to ask for forgiveness implies a desire to change. According to first John 1:9 forgiveness is conditioned on the offender recognizing his behavior as sinful and thus asking for forgiveness.
God loves each person; Jesus died for all. The sins of every person are paid for in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ--while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). God stands willing to forgive anyone who recognizes their sin and embraces Jesus Christ as their lord and savior. Apart from that they stand unforgiven. Likewise, we must be so ready to forgive that forgiveness is a foregone conclusion if one asks us for forgiveness!!!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
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