Contents

Preface ix
Abbreviations xv
INTRODUCTION: THE WONDER OF FORGIVENESS 1
Chapter 1. The missing key 3
PART ONE: THE PROBLEM OF SIN 19
Chapter 2. Let a man examine himself 20
Chapter 3. God’s view of sin 43
Chapter 4. Self ’s desire for control 64
Chapter 5. The conscience, emotions, and habits 84
Chapter 6. Doomed to failure, but there’s hope 103
PART TWO: GOD’S ANSWER TO SIN 107
Chapter 7. Our problem becomes God’s opportunity 108
Chapter 8. The extent of the Father’s love 123
Chapter 9. God’s covenant love 133
PART THREE: THE EXPERIENCE OF FORGIVENESS 143
Chapter 10. Forgiveness is a learning experience 144
Chapter 11. The process of repentance 149
Chapter 12. David’s experience of forgiveness 164
Chapter 13. A harlot’s experience of forgiveness 170
PART FOUR: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS 175
Chapter 14. He will abundantly pardon 176
Chapter 15. The blessedness of sins forgiven 182
Chapter 16. A power for the future 191
Chapter 17. But, how do I know that my sin is forgiven? 202
Chapter 18. David after his sin 218
Chapter 19. The power of love 226
Chapter 20. How oft should I forgive my brother? 236
Chapter 21. The victory of love 245
Further study 250
Appendices 251
Appendix 1 Words for sin in the Old Testament 251
Appendix 2 Three representative words for sin 252
Appendix 3 Fear: an example of the emotion spectrum 252
Appendix 4 The “pride of life” is not the emotion pride 253
Appendix 5 The unforgivable sin 253
Appendix 6 Two questions about forgiving others 257
Wonder of Forgiveness