Is it Possible to Be Forgiven Without Repentance? Theological and relational implications of forgiveness and repentance are examined in its complexities.forgiveness (ad)
Life Principle 3: Forgiveness and Repentance
Biblical Foundation
The Bible has a strong position on forgiveness: it is conditional ease repentance. The scripture (Luke 17:3–4) indicates that ‘forgiveness is predicated upon repentance, where forgiveness should be extended toward the individual. It seems the idea behind this principle is that forgiveness must hold both parties accountable for wrongdoings12.
Moral Seriousness
Unrepentant Forgiveness can dilute the moral impact of the offense. As Nicholas Wolterstorff observes, to forgive an offender who is not accountable for his or her wrong act(s) “is the moral equivalent of leading a testimony (to use Evangelical language)—it reduces and trivializes their action. It highlights the point that though it is possible to forgive someone, you should not until there has been regret.
On Loving the Sinner who Will Not Repent
Although repentance is a precondition of forgiveness, Christians are called to love even those who have no regret. The form of this love does not mean unearned forgiveness, but a compassionate edge that holds both others’ and its recipients ‘ feet to the fire23. Jesus tells people to pray for your enemies, giving insight into the difference between love and forgiveness.
The Function of One-Sided Forgiveness
Conditional vs Unconditional Forgiveness
Even the idea that forgiveness is strictly justice asks too much, with certain exponents calling for unconditional transactions of mercy — offering generous terms on an obligation when no such transaction exists: In prayers for individual sinners alone some “fairness” recycles, as single hearts claim a heaven where only partial grace applies. This viewpoint argues that unforgivingness can foster bitterness and thwart self-advancement56 as cited in . But such a method raises questions about what reconciliation really means and it requires typically an admission of guilt.
In the Context of Relationships
When it comes to the rest of our relationships, especially those where there has been a lot more hurt involved, most often we have all sorts of ways that make forgiveness an internal choice but reconciliation dependent on something else entirely. Without this recognition, trust cannot be effectively repaired and one will have difficulty in moving on productively45.
So, despite the internal forgiveness prevailing even in response to an offending person who never asks for it or acknowledges what was done, as discussed earlier… praxis Oh memory! And here we are: having to forgive and forget. While the love of unrepentant sinners is a difficult necessity, it does not diminish the importance of accountability and moral gravity between friends.
