God's forgiveness

[Robin Elizabeth]

Hello to all,

I hope this is in the right place, I'm never quite sure where to put things.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone here can help me with something. I've been having a discussion lately with another Orthodox about God's forgiveness. I've always been taught that when a person sincerely repents of a sin and has the sacrament of confession that his sin is forgiven by God and that's the end of it. My friend (who has studied the faith much more then me) said that the Orthodox teaching is that God can "take back" his forgiveness at any time, for any reason. Has anyone else ever hear of that?

[Matthew Panchisin]

Dear Robin,


I've always been taught that when a person sincerely repents of a sin and has the sacrament of confession that his sin is forgiven by God and that's the end of it.

You have been taught rightly. I have read that Christ is faithful and true, so when we are forgiven in confession it is so, lest a mockery of the Church and Christ is articulated through study which is terrible. Perhaps you have misunderstood what your friend was saying. If not then your friend might find it good to join us here so the matter could be more fully discussed.

There is a very serious recurring problem that is more common these days and not found as much in Orthodox Parish life, namely people giving advise or saying things that are very wrong and can be disturbing to others. Every Orthodox Priest I have ever known would not recommend such practices, this has been expressed on this forum in the past as well.

In Christ,

Matthew Panchisin

[James Blackstock]

Hello to all,

I hope this is in the right place, I'm never quite sure where to put things.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone here can help me with something. I've been having a discussion lately with another Orthodox about God's forgiveness. I've always been taught that when a person sincerely repents of a sin and has the sacrament of confession that his sin is forgiven by God and that's the end of it. My friend (who has studied the faith much more then me) said that the Orthodox teaching is that God can "take back" his forgiveness at any time, for any reason. Has anyone else ever hear of that?

Dear Elizabeth:

God's forgiveness is through Grace by His Mercy. It is a gift! The Scriptures teach us of these gifts;
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Without repentance means that He "never" takes them back!

INXC,
Seraphim