The Freedom and Power of Forgiveness

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

Few concepts are more basic to Christianity-or more important to a Christian's personal and spiritual well-being-than forgiveness. Yet in an age in which it has become fashionable to "forgive yourself" rather than to forgive others, can our modern ways of understanding guilt, blame, mercy, and justice be reconciled with Jesus' teaching? Pastor John MacArthur begins The Freedom and Power of Forgiveness by examining the doctrine of the atonement, the basis for any teaching on forgiveness. He then answers some common questions about forgiveness, such Why are we supposed to seek God's forgiveness if he has already justified us? How should we handle repeat offenses against us? When is restitution appropriate? MacArthur then presents potent, relevant biblical principles of forgiveness.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Counselling, Christianity, Nonfiction, Faith

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 26, 1999

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Serendipity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally one of the best books I have read this year. This book was originally recommended to me by a deacon at my home church, and I found it again after reading an excerpted article on Grace To You. John MacArthur talks about forgiveness in both doctrine and practice, for both the one who forgives and the one asking to be forgiven. The book gave me a Biblical framework in which to think about sin and forgiveness, and how to better apply to my own life. Highly recommended!!

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book on Forgiveness has proven to be one of the most helpful and edifying books I've come across. With the initial foundation being built upon God's forgiveness, and only then examining the imperatives to forgive one another that flow from that foundation, MacArthur expertly takes the reader through a comprehensive framework for understanding and living out forgiveness. This is a most beneficial book, both to the soul as it enhances one's understanding and awe of the amazing gift of forgiveness we have through/in Christ, and to the everyday life of the believer as it encourages Christians to practically obey the commands of Christ.

I consider it a worthwhile read to undertake and will certainly be revisiting this for years to come.

[Laurent Dv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Résume ce que dit la Bible sur le pardon, explique les différentes étapes pour régler un conflit au sein de l'Eglise, donne des conseils pour éviter justement ces confrontations. Très encourageant. Souvent on dit que Macarthur est trop violent (en particulier dans ses livres charismatiques) mais ici il est très encourageant.

[Austin Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painfully straightforward

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgiveness and its connection with atonement and also between men.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite John MacArthur book. He deals very well with a variety of issues relating to forgiveness and what the Scriptures. In his usual biblical manner, he goes thru the Scriptures and addresses many topics relating to church discipline, restoration, reconciliation, to forgive if one doesn't repent, and so on. Though some examples would have helped to flesh out the principles more, this was pretty helpful in understanding forgiveness and it's many facets.

[Myla · Rating 5 out of 5]

yes

[Michael Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduction, highlights:
Early in pastoral ministry he noticed that nearly all personal problems that drive people to seek pastoral counseling are related in some way to the issue of forgiveness.

People who seek counseling generally fit into one of two categories, sometimes both. 1, they need to understand how God’s forgiveness is extended to sinners; 2, they need to learn to be forgiving.

What a person believes determines how they think, how they behave, and how they respond to life’s trials.

This book examines forgiveness from the perspective of what Scripture teaches about it. (Consider John 14: 15-17, 21, 23,24,26,27,)

The authors aim is to help you to respond biblically to your guilt as well as forgive others who have wronged you.

Beware the natural, sinful tendency for us to minimize our own sin and magnify the sins of others. Guard you heart against the flesh’s drive to treat self with mercy while demanding retribution against others. Satan gets great delight in promoting our flesh to demonize others without mercy. (It is written: Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness(mercy) and to walk humbly with your God?)

If you are struggling to forgive, or are searching for forgiveness, this book is for you.

[Matthew Richey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think if I wanted to quickly sum up the problem with this book (and the author in general), I would have you turn to the bibliographical notes at the end. In a book of (so-called) exegesis and theology, his notes are only a page and a half and are almost exclusively people he quotes so that he show you how they are wrong. He quotes himself twice, quotes Matthew Henry twice and Dietrich Bonhoeffer once (but not before disavowing him). All other footnotes are just examples of people he believes are either stupid or intentionally twisting Scripture. He never thoughtfully engages with another perspective. He seems to operate under the assumption that there are three categories of people who interpret Scripture: 1) People who are naive and unthoughtful; 2) People who intentionally twist Scripture under the influence of Satan; and 3) himself.

[Darren Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a preacher I have always enjoyed John MacArther, however this was my first experience reading one of his book. Overall I think the book makes many great points about forgiveness and the theological importance and implications that are associated with the process. That being said I felt as if John was rambling and repeatedly repeating the same information page after page for many instances. I do think if your looking for help understanding the Biblical response to forgiveness this is an option for guidance, however it may be more of a “skip certain parts” type book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meticulously researched, this is the best book I've read about the doctrine of forgiveness in the Christian faith. MacArthur methodically lays down the Biblical principles of this not-often-talked-about arm of our faith. From God's forgiveness of us through Jesus Christ, to the reality of how we are to forgive others, you'll find yourself humbled at God's love for you, and inspired to let go of your grudges and bitterness, and to walk in the freedom of forgiveness.

[Nemias Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un buen libro para nuevos creyentes, para conocer el amor de Dios en su perdón. Unas buenas enseñanzas para practicar el perdón de Dios

[Earl Pestano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have read this month! sooooooo good!

[Valerie Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH A GOOD BOOK!!! a must read and a must recommend....

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. This is a fantastic book for any Christian to read, for we all need to understand how God forgives us and how we must forgive others. John MacArthur explains both of those things in an easy to understand and Scripturally grounded way.

[Todd Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

lessons I learned in this book are:
1. As Christians we are called and commanded to forgive offenses against us.

2. There is a need in the church for discipline as well as forgiveness when the lost brother or sister repents.

3. Don't be confrontational on every little thing that offends you. Determine in you mind to forgive the little things and only confront on the big things. Here's a nice quote from the book on forgiving the little things.

"In effect, the person who chooses to forgive resolves not to remember the offense, refuses to hold a grudge, relinquishes any claim on recompense, and resists the temptation to brood or retaliate. The offended party simply bears the insult. The offense is set aside, lovingly covered for Christ's sake. For petty and unintentional offenses, this is the proper and loving way to forgive-unilaterally, without confrontation and without stirring any strife."

John MacArthur. Forgiveness (p. 122). Kindle Edition.

4. How utterly forgiving God is towards his people.

5. We can not be Christian and unforgiving at the same time, the two do not exist.

6. Even though there is forgiveness, the consequences of some offenses still have to be dealt with.

7. True forgiveness has three parts: Reception, Restoration, Restitution. When you forgive you Receive the person as if they had not offended. When you forgive you restore the person to the previous position. When you forgive a person that person should make restitution to the offended party where applicable.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not unlike his preaching, John MacArthur is pretty exhaustive in explaining what the Bible says about forgiveness. While the forgiveness we can receive from God through Christ is foundational, it would have been nice if more of the book had been dedicated to interpersonal issues related to seeking and granting forgiveness (i.e. between two or more people, within a congregation, etc.) For these matters, I'd suggest reading the chapter on forgiveness in 'Relationships: A Mess Worth Making' by Timothy Lane & Paul David Tripp. That said, I still consider it a helpful and good (not great) book. While I would have liked MacArthur to dedicate more of this book to applying the truths of Scripture on the topic of forgiveness, he does that well in the last chapter ("Answering the Hard Questions About Forgiveness"). Also, an appendix titled "How Are We to Understand the Atonement" does a great job identifying erroneous views of the atonement and those who have held them- Christ's death as a ransom paid to Satan (ex: Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagin) and Christ's death as a demonstration of God's justice but not an actual payment for sinners (ex: Charles Finney, Youth With a Mission).

[Emily Funkhouser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book on the topic. I found out about it through my Bible study and read it. Not only did it discuss forgiveness in an accessible way and with sound Biblical exposition, but I felt it also presented things always with the heart of Christ and the good news of the gospel in view and was not afraid to call out the sins which cause us to desire to withhold forgiveness (which I’ve seen not only overlooked but promoted in other books which take a more transactional view of forgiveness, less modeled after the forgiveness of Christ and His people).

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book that presents solid, biblical support for positions on human-to-human forgiveness. The approach is what I term as “judicial,” that is, the focus is on forgiving out of obedience. This approach excels in the focus of obedience and gratitude but is weak on reconciliation.

[Joc-e-lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent book on the aspect of forgiveness and being forgiven. The author succeeds in demonstrating the theology of forginess as found in the Bible for the purpose of a succesful ans fruitfull Christian life.

[Greg Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on forgiveness. Explains many misunderstood verses and incorrect concepts. Well worth reading. Not sure why he included two sermons from other preachers though. Personally i felt they detracted from the book as a whole.

[Len Staley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the most important books to help us in our christian walk.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty preachy. And not very deep. Can't recommend.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very deep book for Christians. Very thought provoking.

[Paulina Vargas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful book. Absolutely loved it!