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Originally Posted by Trapped
I wanted to say that much to differentiate between consequences and judgment so I could ask this question: Is there any evidence that God ever judges us in the age of grace? I don't know the answer....I have an almost impossible time forgiving ..
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There are two quite different, yet quite related subjects here. One is love and the other is the removal of the record of sin.
Here I define love operationally, as the willingness and even desire to show and do good to the 'other', even when this may not be immediately reciprocated. Even while we were yet sinners, God showed love to us in sending His Only-Begotten Son; this is love, that Christ laid down his life for us. And so forth. Love isn't just a feeling; it does, it acts. And in action it forgives. Again, 1 Cor 13 is a nearly unparalleled exposition on this multifarious operation of love.
Now, to the removal of the record: this seems to me to be based on cooperation. Jesus told the repentant criminal that "this day you will be with me in paradise"; he didn't invite them both. One of the criminals mocked him, and subsequently stayed behind. The key seems to be willingness; willingness to repent, and to forgive. (When they asked if he would heal, Jesus replied, "I am willing." [Luke 5:11-13] … Jesus is willing; are we?) Jesus taught this prayer, "Forgive us our trespasses, even as we forgive..."; he also taught, "If you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive you".
To me it seems clear: "as you do to others, it will be done to you"... we're willing to forgive, or we have no ground with God for the blood of Christ to cleanse from every sin... even though God loves, the record will remain. We forgive others, even those who "don't show much promise", otherwise God isn't willing to forgive us. Everything depends on our willingness to forgive the 'other' and seek rapprochement.
As to consequence, both criminals died. But one went to paradise with the King. "Remember me, when you come into your kingdom."