How many times should a person be forgiven?

by Rolando José Olivo

Jesus answered 70 times 7 (Matthew 18:21-22).

So, according to Christianity, can a person only be forgiven by other 490 times? Should a Christian keep track of how many times he/she forgives someone?

The answer is no.

This biblical passage is not interpreted literally.

Jesus did not refer to forgiving just 490 times, rather He referred to the prophecy of the 70 weeks (Daniel 9:20-27), which states: “…Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place…”

In accordance with Revelation 21 and 22, this message points towards the end of sufferings and injustices, in a new eternal world, and the faults will be forgiven for all eternity. In this regard, masterfully, Jesus, who knew very well the biblical prophecies, made a call to always forgive others (in an unlimited way and not 490 times).

This is a great message of always forgiving!