A Doctor of Ministry wrote sent me an interesting question. Perhaps you will find the exchange to be of value.
My D. Min. friend asked,
“In the prayer of Jesus from the cross, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ How are we to interpret the scope and extent of this prayer? Was Jesus praying for the Romans, the Jews, or both?”
He went on to inquire,
“Does the Father always answer the prayer of the Son? Not my will, but thine be done may answer this question. How much room, if any, does Universalism have in this prayer. Was the prayer simply, “Father, do not lay my death to their charge?” I Seem to be attempting to answer my own question. However, as far as I can see, the only unforgiveness is rejection of Christ and His atonement, as well as blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for your response.
I did reply as follows:
I do not think this proves anything relevant to Universalism. Rather, I think an alternative understanding might be that Jesus sought forgiveness for the specific individuals, and their specific sins of that day which resulted in His execution. His words do not automatically imply that the specific prayer was intended to go beyond the actions of that day or to other individuals not directly involved in the crime.
I think it is fair to assume that if that most horrible of sins was forgiven, the same individuals had other earlier and later sins not covered by that prayer.
Of course, I could be wrong, but I hope it gives you something to think about. I am grateful that His forgiveness and mercies are new every morning because some days I need more. It is all based on that single act on the Cross, but it is perpetually new for all who believe. It is likely that many of those who were involved never believed.
I was happy to get his kind reply agreeing with my proposition.
He wrote,
”Thank you for your response. Your answer was both logical as well as Biblical.”
I understand how easy it is to find what we want to see in our studies.
Every now and then it is good to get confirmation or contrary opinions when
we are uncertain.
Glad to have been able to help brother!
Randy
3 responses so far ↓
1 san70 // Mar 10, 2010 at 10:15 pm
I WAS NOT THERE OR EVEN BORN YET BUT JESUS DIED FOR ALL SINNERS THAT INCLUDED ME . JESUS SAID NO ONE TAKES HIS LIFE BUT THAT HE GAVE IT UP WILLINGLY (JOHN 10:17-18 ) HE TOOK MY PLACE ON THAT CROSS FOR PAST, PRESENT ,AND FUTURE SINS AND SINNERS.IN 1ST PETER 3:19-20 HE WITNESSED TO OLD TESTAMENT PEOPLE(AMPLIFIED BIBLE) HE WAS THE PERFECT AND FINAL SACRIFICE I AM SO GRATFUL ! WHAT A MIGHTY GOD ,PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME . HOW COULD I EVER THANK HIM =( BELIEVE ) SANDRA PARKER
2 jim kelly // Apr 17, 2010 at 3:58 pm
This is one of the things that first attracted me to CrossTalk.org. There is none of the usual “G-d needs you to give in order to bless you and here’s where you can send the money to me” babble. Randy always does his best to answer the tough questions unlinke many that just go for the easy answers.
As to the question asked by Sarah Parker
…it’s a good thing the blood of Jesus pays the final bill!
“HOW COULD I EVER THANK HIM “….well I asked G-d that question and He told me to obey His every word…..I was really hoping for an easy answer along the lines of a donation
3 admin // Apr 17, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Thanks for noticing Jim.
Shalom!
Randy
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