How Serious Is Unforgiveness?

The Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift from God, given through faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." However, there are passages in the Bible that emphasize the importance of forgiveness, and one of the most well-known is Matthew 6:14-15, where Jesus says, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

This statement doesn’t mean that salvation is earned by our forgiveness of others, but it highlights the critical relationship between receiving God's forgiveness and extending it to others.  Forgiveness is central to the Christian life because it reflects the nature of God. When we are forgiven by God, we are called to forgive others as a sign that we understand and embrace His mercy.

Mark 11:25 adds to this: "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." This verse reinforces the idea that unforgiveness creates a barrier between us and God, blocking the flow of His forgiveness into our lives.

Why is Forgiveness so Important?

1. Reflecting God's Character: Forgiveness is at the heart of God's nature. He forgives us freely, and we are called to reflect that same grace to others.

2. Healing and Freedom: Unforgiveness leads to bitterness, anger, and resentment, which can enslave us spiritually and emotionally. Forgiving others sets us free and brings peace into our hearts.

3. Obedience to Jesus: Jesus commands us to forgive as He has forgiven us. In Colossians 3:13, we read: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Can We Go to Hell if We Don't Forgive?

The Bible doesn't explicitly say that a Christian who struggles with unforgiveness will lose their salvation and go to hell. However, persistent unforgiveness can indicate a heart that hasn't fully grasped or accepted God's grace. Jesus warns of the seriousness of unforgiveness in the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35). In this parable, a servant is forgiven a massive debt but refuses to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him. As a result, his own forgiveness is revoked, and he is punished.

This parable highlights that if we have truly experienced God’s forgiveness, it should lead us to forgive others. Persistent refusal to forgive may show a disconnect between receiving God’s grace and extending it to others, which could signal a deeper spiritual issue. But it’s crucial to understand that salvation comes through faith in Christ, and forgiveness is a fruit of that relationship.

Conclusion

Salvation is a gift, not based on works, but unforgiveness is a serious spiritual issue. Jesus’ words about forgiveness reflect how crucial it is to live out the grace we've been given. If someone refuses to forgive, it doesn’t mean they've automatically lost their salvation, but it can hinder their relationship with God and others. If you are struggling to forgive, it's essential to seek God's help, as He desires to heal and set you free through the power of His forgiveness.