“When they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified Him (Jesus) and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they divided His clothes by casting lots” (Luke 23:33-34).
Needed Clarification
I don’t intend this article as a criticism; instead, I aim to provide comfort. Forgiving others— even those who have committed severe acts such as murder— without seeking personal retribution, is a challenging endeavor. Jesus did it, and the early Christian martyr, Stephen, followed Jesus’ example and forgave those who were in the process of stoning him for speaking truth:
“They stoned Stephen as he was calling on God, praying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Having said this, he fell asleep (died)” (Acts 7:59-60).
Would Jesus deny us heaven if someone murdered us and we didn’t – couldn’t – forgive them? What if we couldn’t forgive someone for killing our spouse or children? Such actions challenge the limits of human ability, and many people will find it impossible to forgive without the example and power of Jesus.
One Requirement for Heaven
The only requirement for entering heaven is whether you have placed your trust in Jesus as your Savior. This alone determines whether anyone will enter heaven to be with Jesus after they die. Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead; Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates that the Father has accepted Jesus’ sacrifice as FULL payment for everyone’s sins. This approval—this promise of eternal life—applies to all who believe in Jesus’ Name:
“He (Jesus) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).
Full Satisfaction
The phrase “Atoning sacrifice” translates a Greek word that means God the Father was fully satisfied with Jesus’ sacrifice. For those who believe in Jesus’ Name, no sin, action, or inaction will prevent them from entering heaven. God promises that all who believe have become His children, FOREVER:
“Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God, to those who believed in His name” (John 1:12).
Our Forgiving Others Doesn’t Determine Heaven
We don’t want to misapply Jesus’ words from His Sermon on the Mount:
“If you do not forgive men their sins, neither will your Father forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:15).
In His Sermon, Jesus taught His followers how to behave as God’s children. This is a separate teaching from Jesus’ instruction on how to enter heaven after death. Jesus wants His children, God’s children, to be “like their Father in heaven” and forgive others for their worst trespasses against us. In this same Sermon, Jesus states,
“But I (Jesus) say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. … Therefore be perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect” Matthew 5:44-45, 48).
Jesus’ Guarantee to Believers
For those who have placed their trust in Jesus as their Savior, He assures us that He has paid the debt for our sins. Because the Father is satisfied with Jesus’ sacrifice, Jesus promises everyone who believes in Him has access to heaven. Therefore, when we die, He will not judge us based on our worthiness to enter heaven or any other issue, as Jesus has already resolved that matter. He has guaranteed the eternal destiny of believers based on His own worthiness.
When we forgive others – even our assassins! — it demonstrates that we are reflecting the love of our Father in heaven. By forgiving our enemy and blessing those who curse us, we embody the actions of a true son or daughter of God. Jesus assures us that He has forgiven every sin we have committed or will commit, saying,
“Truly I (Jesus) say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they speak” (Mark 3:28).
Conclusion
We write this to ensure that the Gospel of salvation is clear for everyone. Our salvation is based solely on trusting in Jesus’ completed work on our behalf. Because of that trust, we become God’s children. Jesus promised us unhindered access to heaven when we die.
The challenge of following Jesus’ command to forgive others for “all sins” lies in our desire to be like our “Father in heaven” as we represent Him on Earth. If we obey this command, He will reward us when we reach heaven. Click here for mare answers to your questions.
