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Tiger Woods seeks forgiveness for his adultery. Problem is the only one who is able to give it is God.

The news item on the mightychurch side link: Tiger apologises even has a stream of the apology.

Tiger, a Buddhist, is contrite and apologetic, but maybe he should look to scripture, and get to know Jesus, the gateway to the Father:

Psalm 51

(A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.)

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your unfailing love;
    according to your great compassion
    blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight,
    so that you are proved right when you speak
    and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
    sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ;
    you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Tiger Woods seeks forgiveness for his adultery. Problem is the only one who is able to give it is God.

That is partly true. Only God can forgive if we want his forgiveness. For that Tiger will have to turn to God.

But God also told us to forgive those who trespass against us. That is a different issue.

Forgiveness is something we can and all should do.
I don’t understand Ken’s statement.
The Lord’s Prayer itself makes this plain

Our receipt of forgiveness is contingent on our forgiving others.

Owen,

you don’t understand Psalm 51, and that it says that the only person we sin against is God?

that is because sin is rebellion against God.

It doesnt rely on any one else’s forgiveness, but only God can really forgive sin. I though that was a basic Christian concept.

(I think you must simply have it in for me based on recent discussion, Owen.)

Although ultimately we sin against God and only God can truly forgive sins, we need forgiveness from others as well if we want relationships restored.

The way Tiger has done it, it doesn’t seem contrite (as opposed to Psalm 51 which is) to me.  That is the greater issue that I see.

I really like this youtube message about History and the Christian view of the world. It places God in His true place:

History - Christian Worldview

It is true we should forgive others when they sin against us. Tiger Woods did not sin against me. He hurt those who loved him, and should seek their forgiveness, but ultimately only God can forgive his sin, if he asks for forgiveness. Unfortunately he may need to gain God’s ear, and this can be obtained by faith in Him and especially Jesus. Non Jews must go through Jesus, no?

Sin is, by definition, rebellion and ignoring God. Tiger Woods cannot obtain forgiveness for his sins by the path of Buddhism. It is impossible as Buddhism isnt included in God’s plan for mankind. Buddhism is a philosophy, the idea of a man.

No Ken
I was responding to your comment
” Problem is the only one who is able to give it is God.”

Your explanation makes it clearer. Thanks.

Thanks Owen, no problems.

I just hope Tiger realises that complete and magnificent forgiveness for all time is available, but that seeking human forgiveness will not give him the comlete satisfaction, and cleansing that he seeks. And it really is so easy for him - he simply needs to accept Jesus as saviour.

I guess the place to start, is to read one of the gospel stories. I am sure that Jesus’ words will make it clear the path to follow, if he really wants to be changed from the person he was.

It would be so great for him to come humbly before God, through Jesus, and cleanse his soul by faith in a pure and loving God.

Only then could most people really accept that he has changed.