Why is it important that forgiveness is preached and not offered?
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Preaching forgiveness emphasizes that it is a definitive declaration, not a mere offer, as illustrated in Acts 13:38.
The distinction between forgiveness being preached versus offered is crucial in understanding the sovereignty of God's grace. In Acts 13:38, Paul states, 'Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins,' which indicates that forgiveness is a proclamation of God's initiative in salvation rather than a conditional offer left to human response. This assures believers that forgiveness is an accomplished fact through Christ's work on the cross, not something contingent upon their acceptance. Such a proclamation declares the sufficiency and finality of Christ's atonement, providing assurance to believers about the security of their salvation and the certainty of forgiveness.
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