It's not free since Christ had to die and suffered for our sins. It's free in that we don't have to do anything to receive His forgiveness since it was already won at the cross for us. I don't believe in sinners prayers for salvation but I do believe in prayer as affirmation of what Jesus has done so we can have eternal life with Him.
I have seen one poster, not from this group, who after every post, stated "forgive me". It was like a mantra and had in no way reflected change in ideologies or attitudes in all the posts for over eight years that I have known him to post. Should I consider his "forgive me" evidence of a change of heart and true repentance?
I have seen one poster, not from this group, who after every post, stated "forgive me". It was like a mantra and had in no way reflected change in ideologies or attitudes in all the posts for over eight years that I have known him to post. Should I consider his "forgive me" evidence of a change of heart and true repentance?
I have seen one poster, not from this group, who after every post, stated "forgive me". It was like a mantra and had in no way reflected change in ideologies or attitudes in all the posts for over eight years that I have known him to post. Should I consider his "forgive me" evidence of a change of heart and true repentance?
Well established member of the religious clad who by all church doctrines and church supporter full grown in the eyes of the church. But he is like Nicodemus, and can not see the tree of life for the church forest.If a chap prays "the sinner's prayer" because the chap repents of their sins then it's a good thing that the chap has done. One would expect that when the opportunity arises the chap will grow in knowledge and faith, be baptised, serve God faithfully, encourage the brethren, and become one of the faithful in the church.
It didn't seem to matter what the context, content, or subject, he always ended it with "forgive me".Hard to say without the context.
Talking about a thorny issue it might be appropriate to say something like "Forgive me if this offends you but ..." in a context where an unpleasant truth maybe needs to be said and the intention is to correct in love rather than to offend.
On the other hand something like "Forgive me if this offends you but you're really stupid" looks more like a silly attempt to cover one's rear end.
(Just to avoid any doubt at all, I don't think you're stupid, it's used purely as an example)
I knew a poster in the Orthodox section at CF that always said that
Oh yes, one guy always finished every post with:
Lord have mercy on me, a sinner.