The most famous recent example of forgiving somebody is probably Erica Kirk, the late wife of Charlie, who was tragically assassinated by a horrible misguided young person in Utah. And yet as far as we know this young person is not repentant, has not even actually accepted responsibility for it, and may try to dodge responsibility by pleading not guilty. So he has not accepted responsibility, has not pled guilty, and as far as we know shows no remorse.
Nonetheless, Erica, at the funeral memorial service at the large stadium in Arizona, in probably the most publicized excerpt by the media, said she **"forgives this young man"**.
Was this the right thing to do? What would Jesus do? There are Biblical arguments for **conditional forgiveness** as well as for **unconditional forgiveness**. Read below and you can make your own decision, decide for yourself. God bless you 🙏 ✝️
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Yes — there is a biblical argument made by some theologians against unconditional forgiveness, especially when the offender does not repent or want forgiveness. This view is less common in modern preaching, but it is absolutely present in Christian theology, especially in Reformed and older Protestant traditions.
Below is the strongest biblical argument against forgiving the unrepentant, presented the way serious theologians frame it.
The Repentance-Required View (Theological Argument Against Forgiving the Unrepentant)
1. God Himself does not forgive the unrepentant
This is the core of the argument. The Bible repeatedly says God requires repentance before forgiveness:
- "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he **repents, forgive him**." — Luke 17:3
- "**Repent**… so that your sins may be wiped out." — Acts 3:19
- "Unless you **repent**, you will all perish." — Luke 13:3
2. Jesus says if they repent, forgive — implying a condition
Luke 17:3–4 is the strongest text:
Many theologians argue: Jesus could have said, "Forgive him no matter what," but instead He built **repentance** into the requirement. This creates a clear conditional structure that some scholars say cannot be ignored.
3. Forgiveness in Scripture is often tied to reconciliation — which requires repentance
Forgiveness in the Bible is not always an internal emotional release; sometimes it is a restoration of relationship, which cannot happen without repentance.
- Amos 3:3 — "**Can two walk together unless they be agreed?**"
- Matthew 18 (the church discipline chapter) requires confrontation and repentance before restoration.
The argument: Biblical forgiveness is **relational**, and relationships require repentance from wrongdoing.
4. Unconditional forgiveness can undermine justice
Some theologians argue that forgiving unrepentant people:
- **Minimizes sin**
- Short-circuits the need for repentance
- Sends a false message that God overlooks sin without change
Verses supporting that God cares deeply about justice:
- Proverbs 17:15 — "He who **justifies the wicked**… is an abomination."
- Romans 2:5 — the unrepentant **store up wrath** for themselves.
Thus, they argue that **premature forgiveness** might actually oppose God's justice.
5. Jesus' example on the cross does not equal forgiveness
Many theologians argue:
They argue:
- Jesus did not **pronounce** forgiveness.
- The soldiers did not receive forgiveness **unless they later repented**.
- Jesus' prayer expresses God's compassionate heart, not **automatic absolution**.
This is a major counterargument in scholarly circles.
6. Paul never tells believers to forgive unrepentant people
Paul consistently ties forgiveness to restoration after discipline and repentance:
- 2 Corinthians 2:6–8 — forgiveness is extended after the offender **repents**.
- 1 Corinthians 5 — do not restore or reconcile with the **unrepentant**.
The argument: Paul's model includes boundaries and discipline, not unconditional forgiveness.
7. Practical theological concern: forgiveness without repentance enables sin
Classic Reformed theologians (including some Puritan writers) argue:
Thus, they conclude:
- Sin must be **confronted**.
- Repentance must be **required**.
- Only then does forgiveness reflect God's own pattern.
The Argument for Unconditional Forgiveness
(Forgiving even if they don't repent, don't care, don't ask, or don't want it.)
1. Jesus forgave people who never repented
This is the centerpiece of the unconditional-forgiveness view. Jesus on the cross said:
The Roman soldiers:
- Did not repent.
- Did not ask.
- Did not care.
Yet Jesus extended a prayer of forgiveness toward them while they were committing the crime. This shows forgiveness is an **act of grace, not a transaction**.
2. Jesus commands forgiveness with no conditions attached
In the Sermon on the Mount:
Jesus does not qualify this with "If they apologize," "If they feel remorse," or "If they ask." Again in Matthew 6:14–15, the command is **unconditional**.
3. Forgiving others imitates how God forgave us
The key point: We were forgiven **before we repented**.
God initiated forgiveness toward us first, before any repentance was possible. The argument: If God loved, initiated grace, and offered forgiveness while we were unrepentant, we must extend the same **posture**.
4. Forgiveness and reconciliation are different
This is extremely important. Jesus' command to forgive unconditionally does not mean:
- Restoring the relationship
- Trusting the person
- Removing consequences
- Pretending nothing happened
Forgiveness = **you release the debt and bitterness**
Reconciliation = **requires repentance and change**
So Christians forgive unconditionally, but **reconcile conditionally**. This allows forgiveness to be unlimited while justice still exists.
5. Forgiveness is part of spiritual health
Refusing to forgive while waiting for someone to "earn" it creates:
- Bitterness and spiritual bondage.
- Corruption of the heart and anger that takes root.
Hebrews 12:15 warns about "the **root of bitterness**" defiling a person. Forgiveness is therefore an **act of obedience**, an **act of freedom**, and an **act of spiritual protection**, none of which require the other person's cooperation.
6. Proverbs and Jesus' teachings emphasize mercy, not reciprocity
Jesus commands:
He does not say "love your repentant enemies." Showing kindness and grace to unrepentant people reflects the Father's character: "He causes His sun to rise on the **evil & the good**." (Matthew 5:45). This is the basis for forgiving even those who don't want forgiveness.
7. Early church fathers taught unconditional forgiveness
Early figures like Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria, and John Chrysostom consistently argued that Christians must forgive enemies, persecutors, and abusers, **even when these people showed zero repentance**. Because forgiveness is an internal posture of mercy, not approval of their actions.
8. Forgiveness frees you, not the offender
Unforgiveness binds your heart, but forgiveness releases you from the weight of:
- Revenge and anger.
- Bitterness and resentment.
From this view, forgiveness is something you do with **God**, not with the offender.
Conditional vs. Unconditional Forgiveness: A Biblical & Theological Comparison
1. Basic Definitions
| Conditional Forgiveness | Unconditional Forgiveness |
|---|---|
| You forgive **after** the offender repents. | You forgive **regardless** of repentance. |
| Forgiveness means **reconciliation + restored relationship**. | Forgiveness means **releasing bitterness** and giving justice to God. |
2. Core Bible Verses
| Conditional View (Repentance Required) | Unconditional View (No Repentance Required) |
|---|---|
| **Luke 17:3** — "If he repents, forgive him." | **Luke 23:34** — Jesus forgave unrepentant executioners. |
| **Matthew 18:15–17** — Restoration after confrontation and repentance. | **Matthew 6:14–15** — Forgive with no conditions. |
| **Acts 3:19** — "Repent… so sins may be wiped out." | **Matthew 5:44** — Love your enemies. |
| **2 Corinthians 2:6–8** — Forgiveness given after a sinner repents. | **Ephesians 4:31–32** — Forgive as God forgave us (initiated before we repented). |
3. How Each View Defines Forgiveness
| Conditional | Unconditional |
|---|---|
| Forgiveness = release + **reconciliation** | Forgiveness = releasing anger, **not necessarily reconciling** |
| **Requires** repentance | Does **NOT remove boundaries** |
| Withholding forgiveness **pressures** the offender toward repentance | You forgive to **obey Jesus & free your heart** |
4. What Both Sides Agree On
This is extremely important. The common ground is:
- ✔ **Bitterness is sin.**
- ✔ **Reconciliation requires repentance.**
- ✔ **Boundaries can be necessary.**
- ✔ **You must let go of revenge.**
- ✔ **Justice belongs to God.**
The disagreement is only about: **Do we offer forgiveness before repentance, or after?**
5. The Practical Reality: Both Can Be True
Many Christians resolve the tension this way:
AND
This combines the strengths of both positions.
