Interesting...I never thought about it that way before. Do you think the Father DID forgive those mocking people at the cross? Jesus asked Him to, so I’m thinking He did. Do you think those people went to heaven, even if they never confessed and repented of that sin?
I know Christians who have loved ones who have never confessed or repented of their sins. These Christians are in agony, terrified that their loved ones will never go to Heaven because of this. Does this mean there is hope those people will be forgiven, anyway, just like the ones mocking at the cross?
“Do you think the Father DID forgive those mocking people at the cross?”
Well, only God knows that. I don’t think we can presume God forgives people just because we ask Him to, or even if Jesus asked Him. I think we are told to forgive, and to pray for others to be forgiven, regardless of whether that will lead to their salvation or not. I think it’s more for our benefit than for the person we are forgiving or praying for, because the Bible states several times that we should forgive others, so that we may be forgiven, as if our own forgiveness and grace is dependent on it.