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Hey Nancy,
My recent response to you got stuck back on p.2. so, check it out.
Hey Group,
Interesting thing between the passages in Matthew (Chap.16&18) and John 20:23, John expressively mentions people, Matthew alludes to things (whatever).
John 20:23 has to refer to disciples (believers) witnessing at large to people. Those people who respond (BY REPENTANCE) to the Gospel are saved and their sins are FORGIVEN. Those who will not believe (The sin of the world is unbelief in Christ Jesus, John 16:9), their sins HAVE BEEN RETAINED.
Then, when Jesus exclaimed from the cross, " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"(Along with Stepen, and other similar situations), I think that people today confuse this with automatic redemption.
We must remember the rest of the equation - THERE HAS TO BE REPENTANCE IN ACCEPTING JESUS' PAYING OF THE SIN-DEBT ON THE CROSS.There can't be a blanket for a cold world in becoming a child of God for nothing.
Remember what Peter says in Acts 2:38 - "REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU, FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT.This is key part of the formula of salvation.
And I totally agree with David V. - NO WAY can we humans play God, and forgive people of their spiritual sins to allow them a ticket to heaven.
Grace and Peace.
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