The Wonder of Forgiveness (ebook)

“Forgiveness works beyond the taking away of our sins. Forgiveness works a wonder. It changes the way we think; it governs the direction of our walk; it generates sincerity in our worship, and moderates our relationships with God and man.”

This book leads us on a journey—a spiritual and scriptural journey. It is very personal. It opens us up to ourselves and to God. It prepares our minds to receive the grace of God in His Son, and allows God’s forgiveness to work its wonder and bring change in our lives.

• Easy to read, and written in a compelling style
• Comprehensive
• It answers many of the questions asked about sin and forgiveness

Contents

Preface	ix
Abbreviations	xv
INTRODUCTION: THE WONDER OF FORGIVENESS	1
Chapter 1. The missing key	3
PART ONE: THE PROBLEM OF SIN	19
Chapter 2. Let a man examine himself	20
Chapter 3. God’s view of sin	43
Chapter 4. Self ’s desire for control	64
Chapter 5. The conscience, emotions, and habits	84
Chapter 6. Doomed to failure, but there’s hope	103
PART TWO: GOD’S ANSWER TO SIN	107
Chapter 7. Our problem becomes God’s opportunity	108
Chapter 8. The extent of the Father’s love	123
Chapter 9. God’s covenant love	133
PART THREE: THE EXPERIENCE OF FORGIVENESS	143
Chapter 10. Forgiveness is a learning experience	144
Chapter 11. The process of repentance	149
Chapter 12. David’s experience of forgiveness	164
Chapter 13. A harlot’s experience of forgiveness	170
PART FOUR: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS	175
Chapter 14. He will abundantly pardon	176
Chapter 15. The blessedness of sins forgiven	182
Chapter 16. A power for the future	191
Chapter 17. But, how do I know that my sin is forgiven?	202
Chapter 18. David after his sin	218
Chapter 19. The power of love	226
Chapter 20. How oft should I forgive my brother?	236
Chapter 21. The victory of love	245
Further study	250
Appendices	251
Appendix 1 Words for sin in the Old Testament	251
Appendix 2 Three representative words for sin	252
Appendix 3 Fear: an example of the emotion spectrum	252
Appendix 4 The “pride of life” is not the emotion pride	253
Appendix 5 The unforgivable sin	253
Appendix 6 Two questions about forgiving others	257