Imitators

by JOHN MCCORMICK | Category: Imitators | Jun 1963

A phase of this subject is forgiveness, as it affects fellow-saints. How often, it may be, that we offend one another and we expect to be forgiven without any repentance and confession on our part. We think it our right that others should deal graciously with us without any corresponding exercise on our part. What do the Scriptures teach? Often we have heard Matthew 18.21, 22 quoted, - "Then came Peter, and said to Him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven." This scripture indeed teaches forgiveness, and the Lord pressed home this truth by telling of the two debtors. In the narrative set forth there is an illustration of the words in Matthew 6.14, 15. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." What a solemn responsibility is laid upon us here! How it emphasizes the teaching of Matthew 18.35: "So shall also My heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from you? hearts." But what are the prerequisites of this forgiveness ? We would suggest, first, repentance. Note the words of the Lord-"Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he sin against thee seven times in the day, and seven times turn again

saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him" (Luke 17.8,4). And this repentance is not a superficial thing, but real heart work before God. Then comes confession. Here we judge James 5.16 may be applicable. "Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed." It is under such conditions as these that we can forgive one another. It is our duty to do so, being a command of the Lord Jesus who said, "And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11.25).

What is true of both these instances is also seen in connexion with sin among God's people. 1 Corinthians 5 shows us a sad case of sin, for which, in the Name of the Lord Jesus, it was necessary to put away the sinning one from the church. The action, carried out by the assembly as a whole had its due effect. The sinning brother saw his wrong, and his deep sorrow, engendered by heart-searching before God, found its expression in many tears. Here was repentance from the heart, and the delightful words are recorded - "Ye should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow" (2 Corinthians 2.7).Thus we see it is God's delight to forgive. And if we are imitators of Him we shall be presenting to Him that which will be an odour of a sweet smell, so then "Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good" (3 John 11).

JOHN MCCORMICK | Jun 1963
Imitators