A Teaching on Forgiveness, Cleansing, and Walking Free
By Olga Erickson
Introduction: The Reality of Imperfection
Many of us see imperfections in our lives. Here is a news flash:
It’s true—we are not perfect.
Oh no! Are we okay accepting that?
How often do we find ourselves living with regrets?
“Why didn’t I do things differently?”
“I’m not good enough.”
“I am a failure.”
“I really hate myself.”
Let’s be honest—many negative thoughts pass through our minds. Our minds often express strong disapproval toward ourselves, which is the definition of condemnation. These thoughts break our hearts and create a deep inner cry within us.
Common Advice We Hear
Sometimes we find the courage to share our story with someone we trust. Most of the time we hear responses like:
“You need to ask God to forgive you.”
or
“You need to forgive yourself.”
Let’s slow down and examine these two statements according to God’s Word.
Statement #1: Asking God to Forgive Us
Biblical Foundation
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Psalm 32:5
I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
1 John 2:12
I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.
Teaching Point
Forgiveness was purchased at a great price—the blood of Jesus. We receive forgiveness by faith, because without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
It does not matter how we feel or what thoughts of condemnation attack our minds. The truth of God’s Word remains:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you… thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Receiving His forgiveness by faith pleases God. If that is true, then refusing to receive His forgiveness grieves Him.
You are forgiven for His name’s sake. This is about Him.
When we receive His forgiveness, we are saying:
“I trust You. I believe You are who You say You are, and that Your Word is true.”
God focuses more on our heart of faith than on our failure. He desires that we know He is not a man that He should lie, and that He can be trusted to forgive us.
Forgiving Others: A Necessary Part of Receiving Forgiveness
We are called to confess our sins with true repentance and to forgive those who have sinned against us.
Mark 11:25
And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
Why This Matters
Unforgiveness is a major hindrance to receiving God’s forgiveness.
Some of us have experienced unthinkable offenses—things that feel impossible to forgive. For this, I teach what I call “The Two-Step”.
The Two-Step to Forgiving Others
Step 1: Obedience
You choose to forgive because God asks you to—regardless of how you feel.
Step 2: Supernatural Help
Ask God to release His forgiveness through you toward the person. Jesus tells us to forgive from the heart (Matthew 18:35).
The truth is, you cannot do this on your own.
Good news:
You have a Helper. You have a Comforter. Nothing is impossible for Him.
Expect God to release this forgiveness within you—He is faithful.
A Serious Warning
We cannot take forgiveness lightly. The consequences are too great.
Have you ever considered what it means not to be forgiven by God because we refuse to forgive others?
I will be the first to say: I need God’s forgiveness.
I cannot afford not to have it.
Matthew 18:34–35 warns that those who refuse to forgive from the heart are handed over to torment. That is not a price I want to pay.
Because of this, I choose to forgive quickly. I do not allow offense to fester. I even ask God to reveal any unforgiveness I may not see—and I trust Him to show me.
Statement #2: Forgiving Ourselves
Is It Biblical?
Scripture instructs us to:
Confess our sins to God (1 John 1:9)
Forget what lies behind (Philippians 3:13)
Forgive others
Nowhere does Scripture command us to forgive ourselves.
Some point to Colossians 3:13, but when read in context, it clearly refers to forgiving others, not ourselves.
Why Do We Feel the Need to Forgive Ourselves?
As I sought the Lord, He showed me that this need comes from:
1. Condemnation
Condemnation causes us to focus on ourselves instead of Christ.
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2. The Enemy’s Strategy
The enemy wants us focused on what we have done instead of what Jesus has done. Forgiving ourselves keeps the focus on self instead of Christ.
Forgiveness vs. Cleansing
When I studied the Greek word for “cleanses” in 1 John 1:9, I discovered it means:
Free from guilt
Purified from sin
Consecrated
Set apart
When God forgives, He also cleanses.
Here is the problem:
We often try to receive His forgiveness, but not His cleansing.
You cannot cleanse yourself. Only Jesus can do that.
Personal Testimony
I aborted two of my babies, and condemnation followed me for years. I was told to “forgive myself.” I tried—but it did not work. The guilt and shame remained.
True freedom came when Jesus personally ministered to my heart. He emphasized His forgiveness and cleansed me from guilt and shame. He showed me that even something I believed was beyond redemption could be used for His glory.
Only God can do that.
Why We Struggle
There are two primary reasons we feel the need to forgive ourselves:
Condemnation keeps us walking in the flesh instead of the Spirit.
The enemy wants our focus off Jesus and on ourselves.
During intercession, I once heard the Lord ask:
“Why Am I not enough?”
That question broke me.
Final Teaching Questions
Why isn’t His forgiveness enough?
Why can’t we receive His cleansing and healing?
Why don’t we use our authority to resist the enemy’s accusations?
Ministry Response
If someone came to me saying, “I can’t forgive myself,” I would say:
“That’s okay—you don’t have to.
Jesus’ forgiveness and cleansing are enough, and they come with power.”
Closing Thoughts
If you have confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and believed in your heart that He died and rose again, you can:
Walk in victory
Live free from condemnation
Be healed from shame, regret, and disappointment
Be set free from bondage and addiction
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