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From
The Problem of Evil : Anglican and Baptist Perspectives: MPhil thesis, Bangor University (2003)
Russell Norman Murray
Related post:
C.S. Lewis and Wickedness 2008
Lewis (C.S.) also tackled the view that time cancels sin. He made an interesting point here: The guilt is not washed out by time but by the repentance and the blood of Christ: if we repented these early sins we should remember the price of our forgiveness and be humble. As for the fact of sin, is it probable that anything cancels it? All times are eternally present to God. Lewis (1940)(1996: 54-55). I agree that time cannot cancel sin, and that this is a huge error in thinking in today’s western world. The example of divorce comes to mind. It seems to me that an adulterer who has abandoned his/her mate after enough time often thinks that all should be forgiven, and that "we should stay friends." Although, I totally agree with God’s call for forgiveness, in the case of sin, friendship should be conditioned on things being set right with repentance, as well as forgiveness taking place. For things to be set right then, a wrong has to be admitted and seen for what it is, evil, and not simply overlooked after a certain amount of time. Lewis pointed out that nothing could truly cancel sin. Interesting speculation indeed, as he points out Christ paid for our sins, but sin is sin and will have always have taken place. I think, however, that God, as well as paying for sins with Christ, can also render the power of these sins useless in everlasting existence. Lewis warned against the idea that there is safety in numbers. Just because all people are evil does not make it right for individuals to do evil actions. The idea of speeding in a dangerous fashion comes to mind on a lighter note. In a more serious way, the persecution of different groups by a culture may be overlooked by the majority of the population, for example the Jews in Nazi Germany in Lewis’ era.
LEWIS, C.S. (1961)(1983) A Grief Observed, London, Faber and Faber.
LEWIS, C.S. (1941)(1990) The Screwtape Letters, Uhrichsville, Ohio,
Barbour and Company.
LEWIS, C.S. (1940)(1996) The Problem of Pain, San Francisco, Harper-Collins.
2012
To further comment on my MPhil work, those in Christ have sins forgiven within the new covenant as Jesus is the mediator of this in Hebrew 12: 24, and there is an everlasting inheritance 9: 15. There is the promise of the resurrection from First Corinthians 15. There is promise of judgment after death Hebrews 9:27, and judgment for those in Christ, Second Corinthians 5: 10.
To add to my MPhil work I will state that I still agree that time does not cancel out sin (sins) even as the atoning and resurrection work of Christ is completely theologically and philosophically reasonable and sound. So, although with the eventual restored Kingdom of God from Revelation Chapters 21-22 in everlasting existence, everlasting life, everlasting paradise, in a restored earth and universe, the power of sin will be rendered useless eventually; at this time, the sins persons that follow God do commit, although forgiven within the atoning work of Christ, the atonement, can have a lasting harmful effect on self and others.
To make matters worse as finite beings with lack of omniscience persons can lack knowledge of some of the damage done to others.
Therefore it is wise to seek Godly guidance now, seeking the Holy Spirit, being willing to repent, repenting when needed.
