Bible Study with Sandy | Lessons in Forgiveness - When Only God Can Forgive

In this episode of Lessons on Forgiveness, Sandy Simpson examines the biblical teaching that only God can forgive sins, while believers are called to forgive others in their hearts for personal offenses. Drawing from Ephesians 1:7 and Colossians 1:14, he explains that forgiveness before the Father comes solely through redemption in Christ. Simpson emphasizes that some sins—especially false teaching and false prophecy—are sins primarily against God and can cause serious spiritual harm to believers. Using passages such as Matthew 24:4–5, 10–13, 23–26 and Ephesians 4:15, he outlines the need for discernment, personal forgiveness that releases bitterness, and the responsibility to speak the truth in love.

The teaching further explains that public sins require public rebuke, supported by Scripture including Jeremiah 14:14; 23:25; 27:15; 29:23, Isaiah 8:20, Romans 16:17, Titus 3:10, Ephesians 5:11, 2 Corinthians 6:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14–15, 2 Timothy 3:5, 2 John 1:10, and Revelation 2:16. Simpson outlines three biblical reasons for exposing false teachers: to clarify the difference between true and false Christianity, to bring shame that may lead to repentance, and to warn believers away from deception. He concludes by stressing that while Christians may forgive false teachers personally and pray for their repentance, they must not enable deception by offering public forgiveness without repentance, affirming that judgment ultimately belongs to God.