The Freedom and Power of Forgiveness [Paperback]

John MacArthur (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 3, 2009

Few concepts are more basic to Christianity-or more important toa Christian's personal and spiritual well-being-than forgiveness.Yet in an age in which it has become fashionable to "forgiveyourself" rather than to forgive others, can our modern ways ofunderstanding guilt, blame, mercy, and justice be reconciled withJesus' teaching?

Pastor John MacArthur begins The Freedom and Power ofForgiveness by examining the doctrine of the atonement, the basisfor any teaching on forgiveness. He then answers some commonquestions about forgiveness, such as: Why are we supposed to seekGod's forgiveness if he has already justified us? How should wehandle repeat offenses against us? When is restitution appropriate?MacArthur then presents potent, relevant biblical principles offorgiveness.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"John MacArthur leaves no room for an easy-believism faith that side-steps the practical outworking of foundational Christian truths. Masterfully and incisively, he grapples with the issues of forgiveness and church discipline."
—Evangelical JournalEvangelical Journal

About the Author

JOHN MACARTHUR is the pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and president of the Master's College and Seminary, as well as a best-selling author. He can be heard daily on the nationally syndicated radio broadcast Grace to You.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Crossway Books; Reprint edition (April 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1433511304
• ISBN-13: 978-1433511301
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #590,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God's Word, John MacArthur is a popular author and conference speaker and has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. John and his wife, Patricia, have four grown children and fourteen grandchildren.
John's pulpit ministry has been extended around the globe through his media ministry, Grace to You, and its satellite offices in seven countries. In addition to producing daily radio programs for nearly 2,000 English and Spanish radio outlets worldwide, Grace to You distributes books, software, audiotapes, and CDs by John MacArthur.
John is president of The Master's College and Seminary and has written hundreds of books and study guides, each one biblical and practical. Best-selling titles include The Gospel According to Jesus, Truth War, The Murder of Jesus, Twelve Ordinary Men, Twelve Extraordinary Women, and The MacArthur Study Bible, a 1998 ECPA Gold Medallion recipient.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Forgiveness ... Deeper Than You Might Think, November 9, 2006

By 

Gary Moore "Gary Moore" (Vista, Ca United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Forgiveness (Hardcover)

This book went far beyond the typical topic of forgiveness. Each chapter seemed to add a broader sense of personal responsibility and accountability.
For instance, "If we would only learn to be more repulsed by our own sin than we are at the wrong others commit against us, we would be well on the road to spiritual health". Page 10. "The real truth is that no one's sins are trivial." Page 13. These two statements caused me as the reader to pray for a stronger desire to increase my hatred toward sin(mine). "Forgiveness. Nothing is more foreign to sinful human nature. And nothing is more characteristic of divine grace." Page 11. This statement increased my desire to become more Christlike in my thinking concerning divine forgiveness. The overview of true salvation in light of forgiveness was an excellent starting point in the book. Note these challenges were in just the first 13 pages.
In chapter 2, The second sentence in this chapter confirmed what I knew intellectually but as I read it this time it hit me harder. "He was the ultimate and only true victim - totally innocent of any wrongdoing." No one was (or ever will be) less deserving of death. Yet forgiveness filled his heart at the crucifixion, not revenge. Personal application centers on suffering through the wrong doing patiently while not holding any grudges, bad thoughts, or one up-man-ship against anyone who commits a wrong against me or anyone in our family. (Matthew 5:44). I do feel inadequate in this deed. I'm a bit embarrassed to write the following but it never occurred to me that the darkness (divine judgment) that feel over the earth at Christ's death signified the most solemn moment in earth's history. The earthquake that followed was a sign of God's wrath. Realizing that my sin required such a radical sacrifice makes me want to rethink how ugly and distasteful sin really is.

I think you're getting the idea after a two chapter review, this book will be on your "Must Read" book to your friends who desire a stronger walk with our Lord.

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book on Forgiveness, April 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Forgiveness (Hardcover)

How many times should we forgive? This book explains to you the power and freedom you get when you forgive others. That without forgiveness we lose the wonder of intimacy with God. Also that it is hard to love others when bitterness is deeply rooted in your heart.

5.0 out of 5 stars inspirational book! It will bless your heart, your life & your home, July 6, 2009

By 

John Lyons - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Freedom and Power of Forgiveness (Paperback)

Bought this copy for a friend. I have the book in hardback. Any book written by John MacArthur will bless you!! This book is great in helping learn about God's forgiveness of us...and how we can forgive others! Definitely recommend this book.