What do we pray for in the fifth petition?
In the fifth petition, which is, And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, we pray that God, for Christ’s sake, would freely pardon all our sins which we are rather encouraged to ask because of his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.
Proofs
- In the fifth petition, which is, And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, (Matthew 6:12)
- we pray that God, for Christ’s sake, would freely pardon all our sins (Psalm 51:1–2,7,9; Daniel 9:17–19)
- which we are rather encouraged to ask because of his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others. (Luke 11:4; Matthew 18:35)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
Is sin a debt?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: There was a certain creditor that had two debtors, (Luke 7:4)
Is it a great debt?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: It is ten thousand talents, (Matthew 18:24)
Is it an increasing debt?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For we add sin to sin, (Isaiah 30:1)
Does God keep an exact account of this debt?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For our transgression is sealed up in a bag, and he seweth up our iniquity, (Job 14:17)
And will he require it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Whosoever will not harken, I will require it of him, (Deuteronomy 18:19)
Section 2
Are we apt to think that we can pay this debt?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all, (Matthew 18:29)
But can we really pay it?
Answer: No.
Proof: They had nothing to pay, (Luke 7:42)
Have we any friend upon earth that can pay it for us?
Answer: No.
Proof: Call now if there be any that will answer thee; and to which of the saints wilt thou turn? (Job 5:1)
But is there such a friend in heaven?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Jesus Christ, who is the propitiation for our sins, (1 John 2:2)
Section 3
Doth God forgive debts?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: There is forgiveness with thee, (Psalm 130:4)
Doth he forgive them freely?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The remission of sins is according to the riches of his grace, (Ephesians 1:7)
And fully?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Having forgiven all our trespasses, (Colossians 2:13)
And finally?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I will remember their sin no more, (Jeremiah 31:34)
Practical response
Should we therefore pray for the forgiveness of our debts?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Enter not into judgment with thy servant, (Psalm 143:2)
Should we pray that God would remit the present punishment of sin?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people, as thou hast forgiven them from Egypt even until now, (Numbers 14:19)
And that he would deliver us from his everlasting wrath due to sin?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I will say unto God, do not condemn me, (Job 10:2)
And that he would restore to us divine comfort, forfeited by sin?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me by thy free Spirit, (Psalm 51:12)
Practical response
Should we pray for the pardon of sin sensibly?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: As the publican who smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner, (Luke 18:13)
And sincerely?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips, (Psalm 17:1)
And importunately?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive (Daniel 9:19)
And argumentatively?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? (Job 7:21)
May we here plead the goodness of God’s nature?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For thou, Lord, art good and ready to forgive, (Psalm 36:5)
And the greatness of our transgressions?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Pardon mine iniquity, for it is great, (Psalm 25:11)
And the glory of his name?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake, (Psalm 79:9)
But above all, should we plead the merit and atonement of Christ?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed, (Psalm 84:9)
Practical response
Should we forgive those that have offended us?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Forbearing one Another, and forgiving one another, (Colossians 3:13)
Must we do this freely?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Thou shouldst have had compassion, even as I had pity on thee, (Matthew 18:23)
And heartily?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: ’We must from the heart forgive every one his brother’s trespasses, (Matthew 18:35)
And fully?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Ye have not injured me at all, (Galatians 4:12)
And immediately?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Go, and be reconciled to thy brother, (Matthew 5:24)
And repeatedly?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Not only till seven times, but till seventy times seven, (Matthew 18:22)
And must we not only forgive, but forget?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Grudge not one against another, (James 5:9)
Section 7
Is this prudent?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The discretion of a man deferreth his anger, (Proverbs 19:11)
And honourable?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: And it is his glory to pass over a transgression, (Proverbs 19:11)
And profitable?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, (Matthew 6:14)
And cannot we hope for forgiveness without it?
Answer: No.
Proof: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours, (Matthew 6:15)