The Miracle of Forgiveness [Paperback]

Spencer W. Kimball (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1969

In his earthly ministry, Jesus preformed many miracles. In particular, he healed numerous diseased and disabled bodies. But perhaps his greatest miracle was the healing of people's souls — the forgiveness of sin. Jesus still offers that miracle today, and on the same terms as formerly: sincere repentance. This book is a penetrating explanation of repentance and forgiveness that is illuminated with a bright hope for those who are searching for peace and security. It is a landmark work that has spoken with authority and insight for thirty-five years, bringing to bear President Kimball's rich experience and the inspiration of his calling. Elder Richard G. Scott, in his October 2000 conference address suggests reading the last two chapters first.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Best Book out there on the subject of Repentance/Forgiveness., September 26, 2001

By Customer

I have read many books on repentance and forgiveness, and this is the BEST! It is easy to read, direct, true, and inspired. Other books on the subject are very good, but this one, in my opinion, beats them all. And it was written by Spencer W. Kimball - what more could we ask?

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: Bookcraft Pubs (1969)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0884944441
• ISBN-13: 978-0884944447
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What you get out of it will depend on where your heart is., April 15, 2007

By 

Joshua Senecal (Livermore, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Miracle of Forgiveness (Hardcover)

It's entertaining to read the reviews for this book; they're incredibly varied. What you get out of this book will largely depend on where your heart is when you read it.

The title of this book is "The Miracle of Forgiveness". That alone should tell you some of the topics the book is to cover: sin, repentance, and finally, forgiveness through Christ and His Atonement.

Yes, this book spends a lot of time discussing sin and the various ways in which one may commit sin (although the discussion is by no means exhaustive). Much of it comes from the author's experience of many years as an ecclesiastical leader. Will this discussion make you feel guilty? Probably. It should. One of the aims of the book is to urge the reader to improve him or herself. Keep in mind, guilt isn't a bad thing. If you don't feel guilty about something you're not likely to change it. Will this discussion offend you? Possibly. If you're the sort that doesn't like to hear that what you're doing is wrong, then yes, you'll find parts of the book to be a hard read.

The author of the book is LDS. As such, there is an LDS focus to the writing, but honest-hearted, non-LDS believers in Christ will also find the book to be of value. While there is extensive quoting of LDS scripture in addition to the Bible, and LDS-related experiences, the bottom line is universal to believers in Christ: sin (any sin) makes us unworthy to return to Heaven, and it is the miracle of Christ's Atonement that enables us to become clean and return.

Read this book with a humble heart, and a desire to learn and improve yourself, and you'll discover many ways in which you need to improve yourself. You'll also have a better understanding of and appreciation for the Lord Jesus and what He has done for you.

Read this book with a skeptical attitude, and you'll probably find plenty of things that offend you, and will dismiss the book, as other reviewers have done.

Personally, I found the book to be of great benefit. Sure, it's not easy reading and feeling guilty because of what you read, but with a better understanding of what I am doing wrong, I'm in a better position to change and improve. That's why I read it in the first place.

20 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is all about humility., August 7, 2007

By 

The Eye "<O>" (Northern Hemisphere) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Miracle of Forgiveness (Paperback)

This book is inspirational! Spencer W. Kimball tells it like it is -- in a very biblical way. His approach to recognizing and dealing with mistakes is sorely needed into today's society. There isn't even a hint of moral relativism or spiritual dilution in his words. I for one am weary of the watered-down "feel good" philosophies one often finds occupying the bestsellers rack at the supermarket. Not everything one does is right! Christ taught that. It shouldn't be a shock to reasonable people that humans are imperfect. Sometimes we have to admit that we are wrongdoers and change. That's called repentance. Most Christians understand this. In fact, the changing of hearts is exactly why Christ had to suffer and die.

I would guess that the bitter words of criticism aimed at this book were most likely born out of the rejection of the concept of personal accountability. Once one accepts the fact that one is more often an actor in this life than an unfortunate victim (or pre-programmed automaton) then one can make progress towards real peace and perfection. Thankfully, God is the ultimate judge of what lies within His childrens' hearts, not authors or reviewers. I applaud Amazon.com's generosity in allowing all voices to be heard. I would suggest to those reviewers (especially those who profess to be Christian) who seek to tear down others' beliefs to examine their motivations.

19 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Healing and peace, February 19, 2007

By 

J. Newton "Cogitation" (Tennessee, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Miracle of Forgiveness (Hardcover)

For those that are suffering emotionally for any reason, Kimball gives encouragement and guidance in finding peace and healing through the atonement and teachings of Jesus Christ.

We all make mistakes. Kimball acknowledges that. Some people make mistakes so huge that it seems impossible to them to have any peace or happiness thereafter. Happily, Kimball uses whole chapters to give hope & guidance about how to allow Christ to help. A major message of this book is that it is never too late for change, healing and peace.