Beyond Forgiveness

By Tunde Abednego Samuel

Pastor Tunde A. Samuel, in his book, captured very well one of the major problems ravaging Christian homes, societies, and churches throughout the world today. Those problems are related to the lack of the spirit of FORGIVENESS in the daily interactions among people. It was Alexander Pope, an English Poet in the eighteenth century, who said that

• Language: English
• Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
• Release date: Mar 6, 2019
• ISBN: 9781643671475

Tunde Abednego Samuel

SAMUEL, TUNDE ABEDNEGO is an international student from Africa, Nigeria, together with his wife Peace. Both of them are in the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville Kentucky. Samuel is a man of double passion for the gospel. He has been pastoring for about 10 years. He has produced several CDs teachings on biblical subjects both in English and his local language. He has also written many gospel tracts both in Africa and here in USA. In Africa, Sam and Peace have preached and lectured in many conferences, seminars, youth camps, retreats, and on radio stations. God has long been using both of them to touch several lives with the gospel of Jesus Christ! Samuel major task upon finishing his studies will center on evangelistic outreaches, rural and urban strategic evangelism, planting of churches wherever God will enable him for His glory, and making disciples with a divine burden to open the eyes of millions of Africans to the error of 'another gospels' which have dominated many places on Africa continent.

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Beyond Forgiveness

Copyright © 2018 by Tunde A. Samuel. All rights reserved.

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Published in the United States of America

ISBN 978-1-64367-146-8 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64367-147-5 (Digital)

Non-Fiction

05.12.18

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

Foreword

Acknowledgement

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

CHAPTER TWO

How God Forgives Sins

CHAPTER THREE

Is Unforgiveness Permissible?

CHAPTER FOUR

The Dangers Of Unforgiveness

CHAPTER FIVE

The Benefits Of Forgiveness

CHAPTER SIX

Examples Of People That Failed To Forgive

CHAPTER SEVEN

Examples Of People That Forgave

CHAPTER EIGHT

Steps Towards Forgiveness

CHAPTER NINE

Love Forgives

CHAPTER TEN

Praying For Or Against Your Enemies

CHAPTER ELEVEN

When God Avenges For His Children

CHAPTER TWELVE

Unpardonable Sin—The Limit Of God’s Forgiveness

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Beyond Forgiveness

Conclusion

To everyone who will want to get to the Gate of Paradise ‘One Day’, and hear the Voice of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ saying: Welcome Home, faithful and obedient child of God!

PREFACE

Several scholars and prolific writers have written on ‘Forgiveness.’ But my primary purpose in this book is not to display a scholastic prowess, neither is it a production of an academic ‘text book’ for biblical students.

Its primary purpose is to be an inductive and in depth digging into the Scripture on forgiveness, with a focus on how divine and human relationships can be sustained; how to reunite broken godly relationships and how the wounds that are caused by unforgiveness can be healed. It is also aimed at bringing back peace, love and harmony into relationships, organizations, homes and churches where they are needed. This book is also targeted on how the body of Christ can live in oneness in line with the prayer of our Jesus Christ when he was leaving the believers, that his Father might bind them together as one (John 17:11).

In addition, controversial issues like conditions for forgiveness, revenge, praying for or against ones’ enemies, unpardonable sin(s) and few others are addressed succinctly. So, this is an advanced Bible study guide on ‘forgiveness.’ The Scripture is allowed to speak more than quotations from mortal men. As a result, several scriptural passages are juxtaposed with the aim of grasping the truth on the beauty of forgiveness. The first time this book was written, it was titled Forgiveness. But it is here again published as ‘Beyond Forgiveness.’ You will find out as you read on why this is a befitting title.

The earnest desire of the author therefore, is that before any reader will drop this book, he or she would have seen the urgent need to forgive and make the necessary reconciliation with anyone he/she ought to, so that God’s healing will follow as one continues to serve God with pure heart. May we as potential candidates of Heaven look inward and do away with the heavy load of unforgiveness that can prevent us from receiving warm welcome when we appear before Christ Jesus at the end of our journey here on earth.

Tunde A. Samuel

FOREWORD

How wonderful it is to have a concise, easy to read book on the difficult subject of Christian forgiveness - especially one that is supported throughout by applicable verses from the scriptures. Pastor Samuel has provided practical, step by step guidance on how to address this prevalent problem in the church. Over the years of my Christian walk, it has been interesting to observe so many Christians who excel in many aspects of adherence to God’s word, but who still harbor ill will and resentment towards others. Beyond Forgiveness gives relevant examples of this in both the U.S. and Africa. Even though these cultures are quite different at times, the problem with unforgiveness is a common denominator in both cultures. After reading this book, I too, became convicted to examine my relationships to determine if there was someone to whom I hadn’t granted forgiveness (for either actual or perceived wrongs).

I have studied the Bible along with Pastor Samuel for several years in the Louisville, Kentucky class of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). It is amazing that he can balance family responsibilities, doctoral studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and BSF (not to mention writing a book). Whether in the United States or Nigeria, he is and will be a blessing to all those he meets. Plus, it is my hope that Beyond Forgiveness will be life changing for people he may never meet.

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story … (Ps.107:2)

God’s blessings,

Bill Meyer,

Teaching Leader

Bible Study Fellowship Louisville Men’s Class

Louisville Kentucky

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My profound gratitude goes to God Almighty for His love, faithfulness, mercies and the generous grace He bestowed on me. He has forgiven me in Christ Jesus his Son, who shed his blood on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. From the ash hip He lifted me and made me a co-heir and a beneficiary of His agape love with those He has redeemed. He has made me worthy to be called His dear son, to Him be all glory forever.

Big thanks to the entire members of my dearly beloved home church, 2nd Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Amilegbe Kwara State, Ilorin, Nigeria. Being there as pastor for over six years was really another training ground. The wisdom and knowledge I have gained from my Seminary professors, especially the professors of my department in the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism here at the SBTS is unquantifiable. Leaping on the shoulders of these committed men of God has enabled me to grasp the global perspective of world missions. I strongly appreciate the impact of my sub-group members at the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) under Dwayne Hardin. Roger & Donna Scott together with the brethren at the Least, Last and Lost Ministry have been tremendously used by God to bless us in diverse ways. Only eternity can reward you in full for the seed of love you have sown into our lives. Brother Samuel Emadi (SBTS) and his colleagues have strengthened out helping hands in reading over the manuscript of the first edition of this book. Jean Plummer (member of my BFG, NAOBC, Louisville KY) and Linda Marie Wilke (Lyndon Baptist Church, Louisville KY) were also used of God for proof reading at one point and another.

Bill Meyer is the leading teacher of the Bible Study Fellowship International, Louisville Kentucky. Full of the Spirit of God, and with indiscriminate heart of love, he agreed to write the foreword of this second edition. In the spirit of love and mentoring, Prof. Tanimola M. Akande of the Department of Epid. & Community Health, University of Ilorin, Nigeria endorsed his words about the Book. There are individuals and families like Jack Gupton and his precious wife Judy, Tony Kennedy and his dear wife, Dewey Crawford and his wife, Mr & Mrs Dean Clark and several others whom God has used tremendously . The list of these types of men and women of influence has no end. But let me humbly say, God bless you all for the special roles you have played in our family. History will ever remain as canvas upon which the stories of your indelible impacts has be painted.

I am highly indebted to my dearly beloved Parents, Revd & Mrs. S. S. Alao. My Dad and Mom with the help of God provided atmospheres of love, wisdom and the knowledge of God for we their children were growing up.

God has made use of my darling wife, Peace, as an encourager and divine resource to tap from. Her God-given wisdom, Spirit-filled life and her immense contributions were the brain behind the success of this book. More so, her forgiving spirit is worthy of emulation as she has to forgive me times without number in this short voyage of our marriage and even in the course of writing this book, when a times I responded to her questions sharply and roughly in my attempt to pen down inspired ideas that run across my mind. Our children, Temple, Gospel and Miracle are parts of instruments God use for our daily brokenness. I remember one time when Peace and I made a mistake at a grocery store of which I once spanked Temple for the same thing in the past. Seeing that we did the same thing, the boy in a faint voice said, ‘so children are not the only people that make mistakes.’ By this I know I must be careful of my actions and reactions. We your parents make mistakes too. Thanks you guys for your support in all ways. Thanks to Urlink print media for taking the responsibility of bringing out this second edition in a unique way.

Chapter One

INTRODUCTION

Without forgiveness, life is

governed by an endless cycle of

resentment and retaliation

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

"O ctober 12, 1984, at the extended family meeting, this was what he said; he called me a fool. Brothers, see the record here in this file by yourselves. I am not going to let it go just like that!" This was an expression of a deacon a short time ago when the conflict resolution team tried to resolve the long enmity between him and his brother.

Stop wasting your time, pastor, because, even if you stay here to talk till daybreak, I will not agree. Nobody can settle this matter. Besides, I have made up my mind never to forgive him. When we get to heaven, we shall settle it there. This was an honest confession of a young woman a few years back.

I will never forgive him until I pay him back in his own coin, said a spinster. We have both engaged in sex times without number, and I have even committed abortion for him with a promise that we shall both get married one day. But now he is preparing for a wedding with another lady. If not forgiving him is the sin that will take me to hell, I agree! But I will never let him go scot free.

One of the deadly diseases that has eaten deep beyond the flesh into the intestines, liver, kidneys, blood, bones, and marrows of the Church of God and the society at large today is unforgiveness. There are several conflicts and factions in the Church, the body of Christ, and the society at large due to this pandemic disease. For example, there are rivalries among political parties, political bigwigs, men of God, and members of the same Church, children of the same family, husbands and wives (which leads to a high rate of divorce). All these are results of unforgiveness.

The conflicting positions and multiplications of Churches these days are in some places not a product of revival, but of unresolved issues and unforgiving spirit among men of God. So some break away from their bosses or senior colleagues and become general overseers (GO) and superintendents of churches and ministries just overnight. Some members, due to this, also migrate from churches to churches. Unlike the revival of old, when sinners migrated from the world of darkness to the kingdom of light, today, it is migration from one church to another due to unforgiveness and unresolved conflicts.

Man as a social being has a relational ability. However, we live in a world that is full of relationship imperfections. And because of this, daily life brings lots of conflicts between spouses, parents and children, employers and employees, and the likes. If offence leads to resentment and resentment grows into bitterness, then anger, verbal outburst, and violence can result. However, life is an adventure in forgiveness. If people forgive one another, then healing, reconciliation, and restoration can follow. Without forgiveness, life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.¹ Therefore, the practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world.

Prayer

God, please open my eyes to see insightful revelations about forgiveness as I go through the pages of this book in Jesus’ name.

Heavenly father, also help me embrace your stand on forgiveness as I read through this book in Jesus’ name.

Chapter Two

HOW GOD

FORGIVES SINS

As far as the east is from the

west, so far has He removed

our transgression from us.

CHAPTER 2

HOW GOD FORGIVES SINS

There are so many children of God who for once have not enjoyed the riches of the forgiveness which they have received from God through the redemptive death of Christ. They do not have the knowledge of the unfathomable depth and the incomprehensible glory of this divine forgiveness. This is why they still go about carrying the burden of guilt which no longer exists, but which Satan and their ignorance of the Word of God impose on them. An inductive study of the Holy Bible gives us details of God’s pattern for forgiveness. It is quite different from the way man forgives. For instance, man may say it is over when, in the real sense, it has just started. Man may say I have nothing against you , when indeed he has everything against you. In this chapter, we shall see in details God’s ways of forgiving.