Question: Please explain Matthew 6:14-15; and 18:34-35.
Answer: Matthew 6:14-15, is governmental forgiveness which we all need day by day to keep us in communion with the Lord.
The Christian has eternal forgiveness besides, which was not known before the death of Christ (Heb. 10:14; 1 John 2:12). We are always forgiven, but we would be unhappy if we did not exercise a forgiving spirit to others (Eph. 4:32). We forgive because we have been forgiven.
Matthew 18:34-35, is the same principle, but here it is applied to Israel, who hated the Gentiles (see 1 Thess. 2:14-16), and are cast off for their behavior meantime, till all is paid. See Isaiah 40:1-2, for their restoration.
Question: How are the different Gospels to be understood?
Answer: “The Gospel of the Kingdom” is what was preached by John and Jesus and their disciples, and is the announcement to Jews and Gentiles that the King of Israel is about to set up His Kingdom. But Jesus was rejected and crucified, and is gone to the Father’s right hand, seated on the Father’s throne, from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool.
During this period, since His rejection, “The Gospel of the Grace of God” is preached to every creature, and all who believe are the church, His body and His bride. It is also called the glorious gospel, or properly the gospel of the glory of Christ, because He is glorified, and those who believe it are called to share His heavenly glory.
When this period is ended, and the saints from Adam down are all raised and the living ones changed, and all caught up to be with the Lord, “The gospel of the Kingdom” will be again sent out to both Jews and Gentiles.
In Revelation 14:6-7, we find “The Everlasting Gospel” calling on all that dwell upon the earth to fear and worship God who made all things, the Creator God. This gospel of creation has been going forth ever since man was on the earth. Psalm 19:1-6, is creation’s testimony. When the hour of God’s judgment is at hand, this special testimony is sent to call the heathen from their idolatry to worship the Creator.