by Rick Thomas
One of the more interesting teachings which has crept into
the Christian world view is the idea of self-forgiveness. “You just need to
forgive yourself” is one of the standard ways this secular doctrine is put
forth.
I’m not exactly sure how it became such a supported teaching
in the mainstream Christian consciousness, though I do have a pretty good idea
of some of its secular counterparts. The self-esteem movement would be one of
its companions. Self-forgiveness and self-esteem are similar in that they have
a high view of self in common.
Whose blood is sufficient?
Typically a person who believes he needs to forgive himself
has sinned in some way–hence the need for forgiveness. All sin requires
forgiveness in order to be free from it. This is straight-forward Christian
doctrine: I sin; I must be forgiven.
The problem arises when the self-forgiver is not seeking
forgiveness from God alone. He is looking for something more–something in
addition to God’s forgiveness. Though he may realize God will forgive him of
his sins, he also believes his personal forgiveness of himself is required too.
“Yes, God has forgiven me, but I can’t forgive myself for
what I did,” is a typical response.
This should be a self-evident heresy because it adds to the
forgiveness we receive from God alone, through Christ alone, based on the Bible
alone. It’s adding to the Gospel. It’s like placing the blood of the lamb above
the doorpost, plus my blood too (Exodus 12:7). This is dangerous teaching.
Christ’s forgiveness of myself + my forgiveness of myself =
heresy
Christ’s forgiveness of myself + my acceptance of His
forgiveness = Gospel
The reason the perfect Lamb of God came to earth was to save
us from our sins (John 1:29). This is a major plank in the Gospel platform. Man
was lost in his sin and if he was going to be redeemed, then God had to come to
do it (Ephesians 2:1-9).
He did come by becoming a man, living perfectly, dying on
the cross, and rising from the grave in order to not only conquer sin, but to
provide a means for sinner-man to be freed from sin.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness
of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. – Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)
If sinner-man could forgive himself, then he would not need
a perfect sacrifice.
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