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What if They Know? |
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| When Jesus was on
the cross He prayed for those who were persecuting Him and said,
"Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke
23:34). Doubtless there were those who did not realize the significance of
what was taking place and were carried along with the crowd. Others were
indifferent toward it all. But there were those who knew exactly what they
were doing as far as putting an innocent one to death. Peter said they did
it in ignorance (Acts 3:17). They were ignorant of God's plan but they
were not ignorant that they were doing evil. Jesus prayed they would have
opportunity to repent and be forgiven They had that opportunity with the
preaching of the gospel.
Sometimes people act like they are innocent or ignorant and they are just mean and vile. They know they are and they avoid being exposed. They never admit their sinful ways but expect others to excuse them. Are we obligated to forgive evil people when they do their evil knowingly, with forethought and deliberate pursuit, but never confess their corruption? While we should be willing to forgive those who repent, those that prefer the wicked ways of the devil must be recognized as servants of the devil. |
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