Forgiveness is the tool, the condition by which we are restored to God s love and God s favor. Forgiveness is the means by which we are restored to each other s friendship. The keys to the kingdom also includes withholding the grace of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not to be taken lightly, nor is it to be given lightly. It was not a small matter, Jesus nailed to a cross.
Forgiveness is to be withheld from anyone trivializing the mercy.
No, for then the covenant of God would be profaned and his wrath provoked against the whole congregation. According to the ordinance of Christ and his apostles, therefore, the Christian church is under obligation, by the office of the keys, to exclude such persons until they amend their lives. Forgiveness is to have as its goal the reconciliation between person and God. Forgiveness calls for redemption. Forgiveness expects repentance, turning away from whatever led to the sin in the first place.