5. Does forgiveness excuse the wrong that has been done? 2 Samuel 11:13-14.
NOTE: ‘David awakens as from a dream. He feels the sense of his sin. He does not seek to excuse his course, or palliate his sin, as did Saul; but with remorse and sincere grief, he bows his head before the prophet of God, and acknowledges his guilt. Nathan tells David that, because of his repentance and humble confession, God will forgive his sin, and avert a part of the threatened calamity, and spare his life; yet he should be punished, because he had given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme.’ Spirit of Prophecy, volume 1, page 378.
6. If we forgive someone, does that lessen his offence? Numbers 20:7-12. But see Matthew 17:1-3.
NOTE: ‘Not even the integrity and faithfulness of Moses could avert the retribution of his fault. God had forgiven the people greater transgressions, but He could not deal with sin in the leaders as in those who were led. He had honoured Moses above every other man upon the earth. He had revealed to him His glory, and through him He had communicated His statutes to Israel. The fact that Moses had enjoyed so great light and knowledge made his sin more grievous. Past faithfulness will not atone for one wrong act. The greater the light and privileges granted to man, the greater is his responsibility, the more aggravated his failure, and the heavier his punishment. Moses was not guilty of a great crime, as men would view the matter; his sin was one of common occurrence. The psalmist says that “he spake unadvisedly with his lips.” Psalm 106:33. To human judgement this may seem a light thing; but if God dealt so severely with this sin in His most faithful and honoured servant, He will not excuse it in others.’ Patriarchs & Prophets, page 420.