Trinity and forgiveness
The doctrine of the Trinity is the pre-condition for forgiveness.
Consider: “If a man sins against another man, God will mediate for him; but if man sins against God, who can intercede for Him” (1 Samuel 2:25). God stands between man and man, and can reconcile; but who stands between God and man? The answer would seem to be no one, and this verse would be a proof text for the impossibility of forgiveness.
The NT tells us that there is one between God and man, and that this one between is Himself God. Unless God is not only God but also mediator, there can be no mediation, hence no forgiveness. Unless God is God and also His Son, there is no forgiveness.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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