These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Wright’s ( here), and my two posts on Miraslov Volf’s work Free of Charge ( here and here). See also a synthesis between Brauns’s work and N. To learn more about Chris Brauns, see his blog. I pray the Church receives this gift and unpacks it to the glory of God. Unpacking Forgiveness is packed full of wisdom, sound advise, and solid exposition. I could go on, but this review has already gone on too long. ![]() Although I fully agree, I would also argue that forgiveness, as a gift, is intended to benefit the offend er, not just the offend ed. He insists this is wrong-headed and even unjust, since no repentance has taken place. Chapter thirteen, “How Can I Conquer Bitterness?” is devoted to providing some excellent advice and places Brauns’s pastoral skills squarely in the light of God’s grace.Įqually important are his thoughts on “theraputic” or “psychological” forgiveness where believers seek to grant “automatic” forgiveness because it somehow helps them cope with their offense. The entire book spells all of this out with sound and wise Scripture support. How to hold an offender morally responsible in grace and love without becoming revengeful or bitter is woven into every chapter. Writing on eternity without God is a courageous thing to to do in a day when “Hell” is out of vogue. This chapter clearly shows us that we must take Jesus seriously when thinking about withholding forgiveness and the reality of Hell. Brauns insights here brought back many of those emotions I experienced during my weeks of preparation. While preparing for a sermon many years ago entitled “Is Hell Going out of Business?”, I was deeply moved by the reality of eternity without God. It was a sharp reminder to me that granting forgiveness is no small thing. Nevertheless, he handles this matrix nicely and the reader goes away both satisfied and challenged.Ĭhapter ten, “What If I Won’t Forgive?” struck me especially hard and shows an astute connection between forgiveness and eternal consequences. I only wish that Brauns had dealt more fully with Numbers 14:20-21, which is a powerful text showing that forgiveness can be granted but consequences remain. Yet, reconciliation may include negative consequences that may be necessary under certain circumstances. Forgiveness with repentance equals reconciliation. Repentance without forgiveness equals bitterness and resentment. Consider these equations: Forgiveness minus repentance equals cheap grace without reconciliation. Throughout my reading, a matrix of relationships kept surfacing between key categories related to forgiveness. Although this distinction is practically on every page, it is particularly clear in Brauns’s treatment of Jesus’s cry from the cross “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34 also Stephen’s parallel prayer in Acts 7:60 cf., pp. However, before forgiveness can be granted, the biblical requirement of repentance must be met. ![]() ![]() Like a gift, forgiveness should be offered to an offender. At all times, believers must be willing and able to forgive. Though not a full-blown theology of forgiveness, the author employs a keen theological understanding in applying forgiveness across the brokenness of human relationships.įirst, and perhaps most important, Chris Brauns makes the important distinction between offering forgiveness and granting forgiveness. Unpacking Forgiveness offers a long overdue look at forgiveness and Chris Brauns has provided a solid framework in which to understand this central doctrine of our Christian faith. This book goes beyond a feel-good doctrine of automatic forgiveness, balancing the beauty of God's grace and the necessity of forgiveness with the teaching that forgiveness must take place in a way that is consistent with justice.A courageously corrective, biblically responsible, pastorally sensitive, and immensely practical gift has been given to the Church. The wounds are too deep for us to find healing on our own, and the questions are too complex to be unraveled by anything but the wisdom of God. Unpacking Forgiveness combines sound theological thinking and honesty about the complicated questions many face to provide readers with a solid understanding of biblical forgiveness. The truth is, pastors and counselors disagree profoundly on this subject. ![]() "True or false: most Christian pastors and counselors agree on what forgiveness is and how it should take place." This question is part of Chris Brauns's Forgiveness Quiz that draws readers into his book and gets them thinking about the subject of forgiveness. Helps readers move beyond the wounds and baggage of bitterness, disagreements, and broken relationships.
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