Q & A: Will unforgiveness Keep me out of Heaven?-Kenneth Copeland

Unforgiveness is not an insignificant issue. It causes many believers to stumble and miss out on the blessings God has for them. But while unforgiveness can be a major issue, it cannot cause you to lose your salvation. Always remember this very important fact—Jesus’ blood paid the price for all of man’s sin, including the sin of unforgiveness. When someone accepts the gift of salvation through Jesus, all of their past, present and future sins (including sins of unforgiveness) are washed away and they can be assured of spending eternity with God!

Now, some have been concerned that New Testament letters to the Church contradict what Jesus said about unforgiveness in the Gospels. For example, in Jesus’ comments about forgiveness, He says that one must forgive in order to be forgiven (Matthew 6:15). Paul, however, says we must forgive because we already have been forgiven (Ephesians 4:32). Why do their messages seem different?

When studying subjects like forgiveness in the Bible, it is important we understand that Paul was writing to born-again believers after the Cross. Before the cross, Jesus taught on forgiveness to those who were trying to gain God’s approval through fulfilling the Law. Jesus was trying to change a mind-set. Many of the Jewish people were so accustomed to following the letter of the Law with their outward actions; they thought they had earned forgiveness in God’s eyes. But Jesus revealed to them that despite their efforts, they did not measure up. In exposing their need, He was preparing them to receive Him as their Lord after He paid the price for their sins (Matthew 15:24).

As we study the subject of forgiveness in the letters to the Church (Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 2:12), we can see a very important difference in what Jesus is speaking to us now after the cross: We have been forgiven! Jesus has already paid the price for our sins! Now we do not forgive others so that God will forgive us. We cannot earn our forgiveness (Ephesians 2:8-9). Today, we forgive others because we have been forgiven!

Take time to thank God for His gift of salvation. As you do, you will be empowered to walk in total forgiveness with others!