Must Christians Ask For Forgiveness Every Time They Sin?

[Lewiz]

And here it is:

"Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:28-29)

Done and done.

Believing till the end.

Matt 24:
9“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10“At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. 12“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. 13“But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. 14“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

That endurance is by faith. So we must live by faith, not a one-time "believed" unto salvation.

 

[Budman]

Believing till the end.

Matt 24:
9“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10“At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. 12“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. 13“But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. 14“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

That endurance is by faith. So we must live by faith, not a one-time "believed" unto salvation.

Read the context. That's talking about Tribulation Saints.

And if that were true of us, how do you know you'll endure until the end?

BTW, may I ask - are you a Calvinist?

 

[beta]

Are you asking me if I know the Jesus of the Bible?

yes, how would you (or anyone) know Him ?

 

[Budman]

yes, how would you (or anyone) know Him ?

Romans 8:16 comes directly to mind.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

I don't see the point. Why say this one is a 'grave' sin? Sin is sin. I can only see this as a personal interpretation.

That WAS my point

 

[eternally-gratefull]

Believing till the end.

Matt 24:
9“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10“At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. 12“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. 13“But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. 14“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

That endurance is by faith. So we must live by faith, not a one-time "believed" unto salvation.

this s talking about the great tribulation, which will be so great jesus has to,return or all flesh would die, he states a fact, whoever (in ths age) endures till the end (stays alive)will be saved (by my return). Its talking about physical life not spiritual so your argument based off this passage fails

 

[Budman]

this s talking about the great tribulation, which will be so great jesus has to,return or all flesh would die, he states a fact, whoever (in ths age) endures till the end (stays alive)will be saved (by my return). Its talking about physical life not spiritual so your argument based off this passage fails

BINGO! We have a winnnnaahhh!

 

[peacefulbeliever]

We finally agree.

We have no sins to account for. They are gone. That's what the Great Exchange is all about. Jesus took all of our sins away and gave us His righteousness.

There is no need to ask forgiveness for sins that have already been forgiven - ALL of them.

Yet again:"When you were dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He FORGAVE us ALL our sins." (Colossians 2:13)

All.

Once again, All.

One more time, ALL!

I know that there is no real reason to respond but I hate that anyone reading this thread feel that they are "wrong" in acknowledging their sin . . . I think that it pleases God and keeps Him foremost in our minds to live a godly life.

ALL can mean either ALL without exception or ALL with distinction. ALL with distinction would be those sins committed up until the time I repented - those that are past which is stated in Romans 3:25 -

The reason we acknowledge sins in our lives - and all of us have them - is to be forgiven. It has to do with our relationship with our heavenly Father and with others in the body of Christ. Our standing before God is as His child . . . just as our standing in our earthly family is that of our parents' child. Our "state" within that family can fluctuate according to behavior - we may get grounded from family activities and therefore not get to fellowship within the family dynamic until we acknowledge our wrong and when we acknowledge our wrong - forgiveness is given and we are restored within the family relationship . . . same as with our spiritual family. Wrongs are committed that cause hurt feelings, reasons to grieve . . . those hurts need to be amended in order to restore the fellowship within the family and that includes grieving our heavenly Father.

That is the way I want to live my life honoring my heavenly Father with reverence and respect. I don't believe apologizing for wrongs committed and/or asking for forgiveness and I'm sure God doesn't mind at all. As I said before - if you don't think you need to ask forgiveness for sins committed in the present or in the future - don't ask.

 

[SovereignGrace]

Seeking opinions on this question.

I personally say no. As all of our sins have already been forgiven, there's no reason to ask afresh. Since God looks upon His children as never having sinned (as we have the righteousness of Jesus imputed to us) our fellowship with Him can not suffer.

I ask this, seeking further clarification...

What role does repentance have in the role of the believer?

 

[CS1]

Well to me this says if you do not ask forgiveness, You have lost salvation. See, how else could I see this? You say it is REQUIRED. That means if you do not, something happens. Thats like the water baptism regeneration people who say water baptism is required. or the lawyers saying obedience to the law is required. Whats the difference? That's why people call it legalism. So thank you for showing why I had a reason to question what you were saying.



So your saying we have to repay the wage of sin? See how people can get confused.



Correct. I agree, But in order to earn our righteousness, we have to be perfect. Last I read. No man but christ attained that feat. when people preach holiness, most of the time they are teaching works. One must be careful. Are they teaching we are to work out our salvation, or work FOR our salvation (to maintain it) so when people make claims like this, they are questioned, so we know which group they belong to. so again, you see why people ask question.

I think you have a trigger for certain phraseswhich cause you to think one is suggesting something even after they have saidNO.
1. I do not believe one can lose their salvation . So I hopethat helps you.

2. There is a good argument for one to lose their salvationfrom those who hold to that doctrine.

3. NO i'm not saying if you do not ask forgiveness you willlose your salvation

4. No we do not have to repay for the wages of sin , sinproduces it's own reward death.
5. NO as you know we cannot earn our righteousness
6. I belong to know group

God is Holy , we who are saved have the Spirit of God in us;therefore we will not sin and be at peace. How does one grieve the Holy Spirit?

it speaks directly to the integrity of the person and theirrelationship with God who willfully sin's and knows that they have sinned andthink they do not have to repent. That is mind boggling to me it surely doesnot sound fearful of the Lord (reverent)

So if one think they do not have to ask forgiveness for a sinand say they are a Christian , maybe they are not one. If the Holy Spirit pointout to Cs1 hey you did wrong , missed the mark, sinned, CS1 will askforgiveness. Why? Because Grace was not owed to me it was a gift to me . So tobe thankful I think it would be best to humble myself and have that mindsetinstead of I don't need to. But hey that’s just how I see in the word of God.And I can be wrong and so can you. If i'm wrong there is

 

[Budman]

I know that there is no real reason to respond but I hate that anyone reading this thread feel that they are "wrong" in acknowledging their sin . . . I think that it pleases God and keeps Him foremost in our minds to live a godly life.

ALL can mean either ALL without exception or ALL with distinction. ALL with distinction would be those sins committed up until the time I repented - those that are past which is stated in Romans 3:25 -

The reason we acknowledge sins in our lives - and all of us have them - is to be forgiven. It has to do with our relationship with our heavenly Father and with others in the body of Christ. Our standing before God is as His child . . . just as our standing in our earthly family is that of our parents' child. Our "state" within that family can fluctuate according to behavior - we may get grounded from family activities and therefore not get to fellowship within the family dynamic until we acknowledge our wrong and when we acknowledge our wrong - forgiveness is given and we are restored within the family relationship . . . same as with our spiritual family. Wrongs are committed that cause hurt feelings, reasons to grieve . . . those hurts need to be amended in order to restore the fellowship within the family and that includes grieving our heavenly Father.

That is the way I want to live my life honoring my heavenly Father with reverence and respect. I don't believe apologizing for wrongs committed and/or asking for forgiveness and I'm sure God doesn't mind at all. As I said before - if you don't think you need to ask forgiveness for sins committed in the present or in the future - don't ask.

He FORGAVE us ALL our sins." (Colossians 2:13)

It means exactly what it says.

And I think you know that.

 

[BenFTW]

I know that there is no real reason to respond but I hate that anyone reading this thread feel that they are "wrong" in acknowledging their sin . . . I think that it pleases God and keeps Him foremost in our minds to live a godly life.

ALL can mean either ALL without exception or ALL with distinction. ALL with distinction would be those sins committed up until the time I repented - those that are past which is stated in Romans 3:25 -

The reason we acknowledge sins in our lives - and all of us have them - is to be forgiven. It has to do with our relationship with our heavenly Father and with others in the body of Christ. Our standing before God is as His child . . . just as our standing in our earthly family is that of our parents' child. Our "state" within that family can fluctuate according to behavior - we may get grounded from family activities and therefore not get to fellowship within the family dynamic until we acknowledge our wrong and when we acknowledge our wrong - forgiveness is given and we are restored within the family relationship . . . same as with our spiritual family. Wrongs are committed that cause hurt feelings, reasons to grieve . . . those hurts need to be amended in order to restore the fellowship within the family and that includes grieving our heavenly Father.

That is the way I want to live my life honoring my heavenly Father with reverence and respect. I don't believe apologizing for wrongs committed and/or asking for forgiveness and I'm sure God doesn't mind at all. As I said before - if you don't think you need to ask forgiveness for sins committed in the present or in the future - don't ask.

Hey Peaceful, . It really isn't a matter of opinion when it comes to this topic. If you believe that you must ask God for forgiveness and then tell another that they can choose not to, you're pretty much sending them on the path to Hell. Taking such a belief to its conclusion (not that you are actually doing that). This is why its important to grasp what Jesus did on our behalf, and all that He accomplished.

Romans 3:23-28 King James Version (KJV)

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Even here in the context of the verse you brought up, it is clear that we are justified by faith. Not sin confession. Where it says "remission of sins that are past", well what sin that has been committed isn't past? Once committed it is behind us (in time). It reads (as some versions translate it) entirely different as well.

Romans 3:25 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed

Romans 3:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[a] through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—

Romans 3:25 English Standard Version (ESV)

25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

This takes on a whole 'nother meaning. It doesn't make sense to say that Jesus only paid for sins up until the moment we repented, because all sin has the penalty of death. If Christ did not die for sins past the moment of repentance they would still need to be paid for (through blood shed, because without the shedding of blood there is no remission). In other words, Jesus (being the sacrifice) would have to go again to the cross (Hebrews 9:26,"suffering since the foundation of the world").

Hebrews 10:5-18 King James Version (KJV)

5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

This is the truth on the matter, Jesus died once, and for all. He doesn't keep sacrificing as like the priests of old (daily), but once. He sat down, at the Father's right hand. One offering. For all sin. "Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin." Sin confession for forgiveness doesn't fully acknowledge Christ's sacrifice (the doctrine, not you).

I know you see sin confession in a relational way with the Father and that's fine, in that you feel that you desire to be open with the Lord. Having nothing to hide. That is a good mindset, to be naked and yet clothed in His righteousness. Nothing wrong with approaching the throne of grace in time of need, to obtain mercy and grace to walk in victory and resist temptation. More power to you! A good heart indeed! But, let us not put our confidence in practices and only in Jesus Christ, who through His sacrifice granted us the forgiveness of sin (all sin).

 

[Budman]

I ask this, seeking further clarification...

What role does repentance have in the role of the believer?

Biblical repentance is a change of mind. We stop thinking we are good enough to make it to heaven on our own and acknowledge we are hopeless sinners in need of the savior. Jesus Christ. We stop believing in ourselves and believe instead in Him for salvation. Grace alone, by faith alone, in Jesus alone.

 

[CS1]

Apologizing to GOD after salvation Is not meant the same as asking for forgiveness.,I'm trying to figure out how to say It so that you can understand what I'm saying.

I did not say apologizing to God
I am saying asking a Holy God to forgive you when you know that you have sinned. Or do you just say thank you Lord for taking that one agaoin for me. I think Hebrews 6 is needed here. so people take more seriously the relationship with CHrist instead of the Get out hell free card.

Hebews 6:1-8


Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2of instruction about washings, and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And this we shall do, if God permits. 4For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and put Him to open shame. 7For ground that drinks the rain which often falls upon it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.


Those who are saved will do as 1john and rom 6,7 tell us . and God provides grace during our santifcation process . And The Holy Spirit will lead us to repent for sin's we do as a Christian.

 

[BenFTW]

I did not say apologizing to God
I am saying asking a Holy God to forgive you when you know that you have sinned. Or do you just say thank you Lord for taking that one agaoin for me. I think Hebrews 6 is needed here. so people take more seriously the relationship with CHrist instead of the Get out hell free card.

Hebews 6:1-8


Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2of instruction about washings, and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And this we shall do, if God permits. 4For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and put Him to open shame. 7For ground that drinks the rain which often falls upon it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.


Those who are saved will do as 1john and rom 6,7 tell us . and God provides grace during our santifcation process . And The Holy Spirit will lead us to repent for sin's we do as a Christian.

I can almost imagine His responses.

"My Son, Jesus Christ."
"I have."
"I hold not your sins against thee."
"The blood of Jesus."

Why would we seek that which He has freely given us already? Why ask for what is already ours? We give Him praise for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A heart of repentance is good, but to seek forgiveness when His Son has already shed His blood for it? It doesn't make sense. Rather, we thank Him for His forgiveness, and pray that next time He gives us the grace and mercy to resist temptation. We approach the throne of grace.

CS1, we take communion do we not? For what reason do we partake? Does not the wine represent His blood that grants us forgiveness(Matthew 26:27-28)? How silly to proclaim the forgiveness we have through His blood if we must confess our sins to be forgiven. Do you see the contradiction?

[h=1]Matthew 26:27-28 King James Version (KJV)[/h][FONT=&quot]27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.[/FONT]

 

[star]

Seeking opinions on this question.

I personally say no. As all of our sins have already been forgiven, there's no reason to ask afresh. Since God looks upon His children as never having sinned (as we have the righteousness of Jesus imputed to us) our fellowship with Him can not suffer.

I don't believe our salvation depends upon us doing so; however, I do feel better when I have sinned and I know I need to recognize that and speak to God about it. To me it's like renewing my fellowship with Him and keeping it fertilized.

 

[CS1]

I can almost imagine His responses.

"My Son, Jesus Christ."
"I have."
"I hold not your sins against thee."
"The blood of Jesus."

Why would we seek that which He has freely given us already? Why ask for what is already ours? We give Him praise for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A heart of repentance is good, but to seek forgiveness when His Son has already shed His blood for it? It doesn't make sense. Rather, we thank Him for His forgiveness, and pray that next time He gives us the grace and mercy to resist temptation. We approach the throne of grace.

CS1, we take communion do we not? For what reason do we partake? Does not the wine represent His blood that grants us forgiveness(Matthew 26:27-28)? How silly to proclaim the forgiveness we have through His blood if we must confess our sins to be forgiven. Do you see the contradiction?

Matthew 26:27-28 King James Version (KJV)

27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

so you only have to repent one time ? once you are saved you do not need to ask forgiveness because You already have been forgiven for the sin's God knew your are going to do today Even if you did not know you were going to. BUt after you did sin and Knew it was sin you still do not have to ask again because you have already asked once?

Hmm you speak on the Lords Supper and ask me that qestion when we are instructed to exmaine ourselves?

1cor 11:27-31

27Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. 30For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. 31But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged.

And in 2 cor13:5-6 too we are told to exmaine ourselves :

5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

No I do not see the contradiction . I see balance and accountability as Christians to live their faith we profess. I see we are to guard our heart and trust the Lord daily. Knowing as I grow in the Grace; why grace? Because I need Grace every day. And the Knowledge.

 

[RickyZ]

You reject the gospel and say no to Gods gift, Yes You commit the unpardonable sin.

But ... that means we DO have a say in our salvation ... Are you preaching a works-based salvation here?

(Just yanking your chain )

 

[SovereignGrace]

Biblical repentance is a change of mind. We stop thinking we are good enough to make it to heaven on our own and acknowledge we are hopeless sinners in need of the savior. Jesus Christ. We stop believing in ourselves and believe instead in Him for salvation. Grace alone, by faith alone, in Jesus alone.

So, you no longer sin?

Or, do you not feel the need to repent when you sin?

Which is it?

It can’t be both.

It appears you’re teetering on sinless perfection.

I ask this to get further explanation from you.

Thanks a bushel.

 

[BenFTW]

so you only have to repent one time ? once you are saved you do not need to ask forgiveness because You already have been forgiven for the sin's God knew your are going to do today Even if you did not know you were going to. BUt after you did sin and Knew it was sin you still do not have to ask again because you have already asked once?

Hmm you speak on the Lords Supper and ask me that qestion when we are instructed to exmaine ourselves?

1cor 11:27-31

27Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. 30For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. 31But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged.

And in 2 cor13:5-6 too we are told to exmaine ourselves :

5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

No I do not see the contradiction . I see balance and accountability as Christians to live their faith we profess. I see we are to guard our heart and trust the Lord daily. Knowing as I grow in the Grace; why grace? Because I need Grace every day. And the Knowledge.

CS1, such beliefs are archaic. We examine ourselves to see if we rightly understand Christ and His sacrifice (what His flesh and blood represent), not for sin in our lives. Ironically, you would be taking Communion unworthily by not acknowledging the forgiveness of sin that is yours through His blood. Instead you'd rather place your faith in the practice of sin confession instead of the blood of Jesus (that gave you the remission of your sins).

Repentance is a life long pursuit as we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. As the Lord continues to sanctify us, change us, and mold us into the image of Christ. You associate repentance with forgiveness, but must understand that our repentance now stems from our forgiveness. We are now righteous, therefore we walk righteously. We are dead to sin and alive unto God (we should reckon ourselves).