The nature of forgiveness

In your Sept. 18 issue Tom Ehrich said that “Forgiveness grows out of a determination to live ....” I am not sure what he is saying, but certainly determination to live is not a biblical basis for forgiveness, so I disagree with him.

1 John 1:9 is the example we need to follow when thinking about forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Confession, of course, implies sincereity and a turning away from sin. The Scripture is here dealing with us and or relationship to God, but the principle of confession before forgiveness is necessary for establishing healthful Christian relationships.