"And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only" (Mark 2:4–7)?
Ruth Graham, the third child of Evangelist Billy Graham, made a recent appearance on FOX News in which she spoke candidly about her "messy" life—all of which is detailed in her new book, In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart. One’s heart goes out to Ms. Graham as she honestly shares a broken life redeemed by the grace of God, but one phrase of particular that caught my attention during that interview caused for me concern. That is, Ruth Graham talked about how it "was really hard to forgive myself." She is not the first person to coin this phrase. In fact, the concept behind such man-centered language is quite popular.
Self-forgiveness is a concept that millions are being taught to incorporate into their thinking, vocabulary, and life experience. Even some evangelical leaders are teaching the idea of "accepting yourself as a human who has faults and makes mistakes," and exercising "the act of self-love after you have admitted your failure, mistake, or misdeed." I believe, however, that such language is destructive for two reasons: it fails to label our actions for what they truly are—sins, and more importantly, the Bible teaches that only God can forgive sin.
Charles Manson long ago "forgave himself" for the murders he committed and for the various and sundry other crimes perpetrated at his instigation. Conversely, Martin Luther attempted self-forgiveness through extreme self-denial and physical and mental tests, including self-flagellation, but ultimately realized all human endeavors were bankrupt and could not bring about peace. Luther rightly understood that anyone who lives with a violated conscience, and in some way attempts to forgive himself or herself for the injurious behavior he or she has engaged in, that alone will not bring about conciliation of the soul. The augustinian monk could never find a biblical justification for such a concept, and it would not be until his eyes were opened to the grace of God as expounded in Romans that Luther finally understood peace.
The Bible calls upon people to repent of sin. It further commands people to turn from their wicked ways; that is, after all, what repentance includes—more than just "feeling sorry". But nowhere in the Bible do I find people forgiving themselves. Listen to the words of the "chief of all sinners" when he wrote, "I am crucified [dead] with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). The love of God and the grace of God is what forgives sin. All we can do is receive God’s grace and love and humbly say, "thank you."
"Thank you Lord, for saving my soul.
Thank you Lord, for making me whole.
Thank you Lord, for giving to me,
Thy great salvation,
So rich and free."
We would all do well not to think in terms of self-forgiveness for therein is great danger and more self-centeredness. Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face. Receive His mercy and grace and then go, and sin no more.
