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Message of the Latter Rain - Kelvin M. Duncan

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Jesus alluded to this aspect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> intended relation between God and<br />

mankind, when He said, "Therefore, I say to you, her sins, which are many,<br />

are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, <strong>the</strong> same<br />

loves little" (Luke 7:47, NKJV). God's love and forgiveness are <strong>the</strong> essence<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gospel. One cannot love a sinner without exercising forgiveness.<br />

In recording this parable <strong>of</strong> forgiveness, <strong>the</strong> Bible writer used a specific<br />

word for "forgiveness." We love God because <strong>of</strong> His unilateral,<br />

unconditional forgiveness, which is expressed by <strong>the</strong> term charizomai. In this<br />

parable concerning two debtors we see <strong>the</strong> intended effect <strong>of</strong> God's<br />

forgiveness, "To whom little is forgiven <strong>the</strong> same loves but little." When we<br />

understand and appreciate <strong>the</strong> charizomai <strong>of</strong> God, our lives will be<br />

transformed by His aphiemi.<br />

Notes:<br />

1. See E. G. White, Conflict and Courage, p. 308.<br />

2. There were seven days <strong>of</strong> creation. In <strong>the</strong> book <strong>of</strong> Revelation <strong>the</strong>re are<br />

seven churches, seven trumpets, seven spirits <strong>of</strong> God, seven angels,<br />

seven horsemen, seven last plagues. The seventh is always <strong>the</strong> last. It is<br />

<strong>the</strong> number indicating completion.<br />

3. E. G. White, The Desire <strong>of</strong> Ages, 568.<br />

4. The expression "pardoning love" may be found on <strong>the</strong> E. G. White CD<br />

133 times.<br />

102

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