With so much turmoil in the world, many people use forgiveness as a coping mechanism without understanding what true forgiveness is. Unforgivable? How God’s Forgiveness Transforms Our Lives, by Ted Kober and Mark Rockenbach, guides readers through how to break out of the unforgiveness in their own lives and uncover what real forgiveness looks like. Most importantly, readers will gain an understanding of what forgiveness from Christ looks like and how He forgives His people.
“The journey to receive forgiveness and forgive as you have been forgiven is not easy,” write Kober and Rockenbach. “Yet, God never intended for us to be on such a journey on our own. He doesn’t promise that life will be easy or fair or without suffering. But He does promise to be with us every step of the way: ‘I will not leave you or forsake you.’ (Joshua 1:5).”
In Unforgivable?, each chapter is framed around a central question to help readers target a specific scenario or event that either they or a loved one has encountered. Some of these questions include “How should I pray?”; “How does anger give opportunity to the devil?”; “What if they don’t repent?”; and “Is there any unforgivable sin?” Through personal stories and real accounts based on their decades of experience, Kober and Rockenbach will teach readers how to forgive themselves and others around them.
“The authors are consummate storytellers, and their book is deeply steeped in Scripture and the forgiveness of Jesus Christ,” says Rick Marrs, senior professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and a licensed psychologist. “You won’t just read this book once but will return to it again and again for help in sharing Christ’s forgiveness with others (especially in difficult situations) and in believing that His forgiveness is for you!”
Visit cph.org/unforgivable for more information. Contact Erica Sontag to schedule an interview with the authors.
Praise for Unforgivable?
I was both challenged and comforted. Through empirical research, personal stories, and biblical narratives, Ted and Mark answer the most pressing questions we have about forgiveness and the challenges we face to forgive. As a resource for reconcilers, this book will be invaluable
—Dwight Schettler, president, Ambassadors of Reconciliation
Sin, forgiveness, and reconciliation! These are concepts unfolded in stories, many of which are deeply personal ones of the authors and are the centerpieces of this richly moving and in many ways provocative book. Ted Kober and Mark Rockenbach provide Bible studies, narratives, thoughtfulness, hymns, prayers, and reflective exercises. Get it! Read it! Do it, led by God’s Spirit, and bathe in the forgiving love of God in Jesus!
—Rev. Bruce M. Hartung, PhD, professor emeritus, practical theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
The conversation that these two brethren offer in their book and the consolation it brings opens up the depths of the powerful impact of Christ’s forgiveness on Christians’ interaction with others. The authors weave together personal experiences with biblical narratives to tell of the imprisoning might of unforgiveness and to shed light on how the Holy Spirit guides us through contemporary believers’ practice of forgiving and that of Joseph, Jonah, David, and others. Newly written hymn verses and an outline for personal meditation and prayer lead readers to the Spirit’s power to forgive, reconcile, and live together with those who have harmed us. This well-crafted proclamation and instruction will aid readers in enjoying the liberation Christ’s death and resurrection provides in daily life.
—Robert Kolb, professor emeritus, systematic theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
The challenge for each Christian living in this sin-filled world is to “forgive the unforgivable just as God in Christ has forgiven us.” Reminding readers of their own “unforgivable” nature before God, deserving His “temporal and eternal punishment”, Kober and Rockenbach share the unbelievable Good News of God’s grace and love in that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Over and over again, they focus the reader on this miraculous gift that comes from God and empowers us to move from a spirit of unforgiveness to “forgive as we have been forgiven.” Each chapter speaks to different aspects of this spirit of unforgiveness illustrating with contemporary and biblical stories, challenging the reader through a series of questions to grapple with the theme, and concluding with suggestions for prayer as the reader takes the journey from unforgiveness to forgiveness.
—Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan, president emeritus, Lutheran Church—Canada
Ted Kober and Mark Rockenbach have provided a great tool for those who have ever struggled with unforgiveness. We see all around us how conflict causes pain in relationships in marriage and family, the workplace, church, and beyond. Filled with real-life examples, the book is an easy read and accessible for everyone. What is most helpful is how the authors consistently return to the faithful promises found in God’s Word for the guidance and hope that we need in confronting sin. The discussion questions are helpful and make this a suitable resource for discussions among church leaders or those assisting with reconciliation.
—Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan, president, LCMS Missouri District
Repeatedly, Kober and Rockenbach root the power to forgive in the forgiveness Christians receive in Jesus Christ. The Christian Gospel pervades their work not just as an example of forgiveness but as the motivating power for Christians to forgive. The catechetical approach of the book is winsome and practical. The question chosen for each chapter is the right question, the necessary question, that is, a question of real, practical concern for Christians seeking to forgive. The simple prayer format to close out each chapter shows the value of prayer along the way of forgiveness. Though readers may select specific chapters most relevant to their situations, reading the chapters in sequence can have a valuable cumulative effect in enhancing one’s understanding and practice of forgiveness. The poetry of hymn lyricist Ken Kosche adds an artistic beauty to the work and a winsome introduction to the focus of each chapter.
—Dean Nadasdy, president emeritus, LCMS Minnesota South District
Kober and Rockenbach have listened carefully for decades to people who struggle with forgiveness; they’ve heard their questions and answer them superbly in this book. “What if I’ve forgiven but still feel hurt or angry? What about abuse? What if I can’t forgive myself?” and many others. The authors are consummate storytellers, and their book is deeply steeped in Scripture and the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. You won’t just read this book once but will return to it again and again for help in sharing Christ’s forgiveness with others (especially in difficult situations) and in believing that His forgiveness is for you!
—Rick Marrs, MDiv, PhD; senior professor of practical theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; licensed psychologist; author of Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered
About the Authors
Ted Kober, a Certified Christian Conciliator™ since 1992, reconciles personal disputes, lawsuits, and church conflicts. He has published numerous resources and taught reconciliation on six continents. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, awarded Ted with a Doctor of Letters degree, honoris causa, for his writing, speaking, and impact to the global Church.
Dr. Mark Rockenbach received his B.A. from Concordia College, Seward, NE; M.Div. from
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO; M.A. in counseling from Doane College, Lincoln, NE and
his Ph.D. from Capella University, Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Rockenbach served as a parish pastor
before accepting a call to The Nebraska District Office where he served as the Executive for
Church Worker Health and Reconciliation. He has served as a mental health counselor and
adjunct professor at Concordia University in Seward, NE and Concordia University in Mequon,
WI. He currently serves in the following roles at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO: Associate
Professor of Practical Theology, Director of Personal Growth and Leadership Development, IRB
Director, and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program.
