Dr. Abel Damina, a renowned Bible teacher, has delved deeply into the topic of forgiveness of sins as presented in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In his Christocentric teachings, he focuses on the transformative understanding of forgiveness from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. His approach is to interpret the Bible in light of Christ’s finished work, emphasizing that the ultimate authority on forgiveness is rooted in Jesus Christ and not in the ceremonial laws or practices of the Old Testament.
Forgiveness in the Old Covenant
Dr. Damina explains that under the Old Covenant, forgiveness was tied to rituals, sacrifices, and adherence to the Law of Moses. In this system, forgiveness was conditional. The high priest would offer animal sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people, but these sacrifices were temporary and had to be repeated annually (Hebrews 10:1-4). The blood of animals symbolized atonement but could not provide permanent forgiveness. This pointed to the inadequacy of the Old Covenant in dealing with the issue of sin permanently.The Synoptic Gospels reflect this transition. For example, in Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus taught His disciples that forgiveness was conditional on their ability to forgive others:”For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”This teaching was consistent with the Jewish understanding of forgiveness under the Law, where human actions determined divine forgiveness.
Forgiveness in the Ministry of Jesus
Dr. Damina highlights that Jesus’ teachings in the Synoptic Gospels were primarily directed at a Jewish audience still living under the Old Covenant. Jesus’ mission, as He declared, was to fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17). While He operated within the framework of the Old Covenant, His teachings pointed to the New Covenant, where forgiveness would no longer be conditional.In Luke 5:20, for example, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” This act of forgiveness was revolutionary because it bypassed the temple system and the sacrificial rituals. By forgiving sins directly, Jesus revealed His divine authority and foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice—His death on the cross—that would provide eternal forgiveness for all humanity.In Matthew 26:28, during the Last Supper, Jesus explicitly connected forgiveness to His impending death:”This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”Here, Jesus introduced the New Covenant, where forgiveness would be based on His sacrificial death, rather than human effort or animal sacrifices.
Forgiveness in the New Covenant
Dr. Damina emphasizes that the New Covenant, established through Christ’s death and resurrection, brought a radical shift in the understanding of forgiveness. Unlike the Old Covenant, where forgiveness was conditional and temporary, the New Covenant offers unconditional and eternal forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. This is highlighted in passages such as Ephesians 1:7:
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”The Synoptic Gospels lay the foundation for this transition. While Jesus’ teachings often emphasized the requirements of the Law, they also hinted at the grace that would come through His finished work. For instance, in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), Jesus illustrated the Father’s unconditional forgiveness and love, reflecting the grace that would be fully revealed under the New Covenant.
The Role of Faith
Dr. Damina stresses that forgiveness under the New Covenant is received by faith, not by works or rituals. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who often commended people for their faith. In Luke 7:48-50, Jesus forgave the sinful woman and said, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” This demonstrates that forgiveness is granted not on the basis of merit but through trust in Christ.
Dr. Damina’s Key Insights
1. Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Law:
Jesus operated within the Old Covenant but pointed to the New Covenant, where forgiveness would be based on His sacrifice.
2. Unconditional Forgiveness:
Under the New Covenant, forgiveness is no longer contingent on human actions but is granted freely through faith in Jesus Christ.
3. Christ-Centered Interpretation:
Dr. Damina encourages believers to interpret the Bible through the lens of Christ’s finished work, understanding that the Synoptic Gospels must be viewed in the context of the transition from the Old to the New Covenant.
4. Freedom from Legalism:
By emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice, Dr. Damina liberates believers from the burden of trying to earn forgiveness through rituals or good works.
Conclusion
Dr. Abel Damina’s teaching on forgiveness under the Synoptic Gospels provides a comprehensive understanding of the transition from the conditional forgiveness of the Old Covenant to the unconditional forgiveness of the New Covenant. He challenges believers to embrace the fullness of Christ’s finished work, which offers eternal forgiveness through faith. By examining the Synoptic Gospels in the light of the New Covenant, Dr. Damina helps believers appreciate the depth of God’s grace and the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice.
