Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive
our debtors.
False Protestant movements claim that the Lord’s Prayer teaches a cycle of inevitable sin. If Jesus intended for believers to always sin, this would contradict His own teachings on holiness and victory over sin (John 8:11,
Matthew 5:48).
John 8:36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
The real emphasis of the Lord’s Prayer is not the normalisation of sin, but a holy life submitted to God. “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Heaven is sinless.
If God’s will is done on earth, holiness must be attainable. The will of God is that heaven comes into the heart of man on earth. We can see Jesus’
desire for His sheep.
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Jesus instructs us to pray for deliverance from earthly
troubles and trials but also from sin, not perpetual defeat by
it.
A life of righteousness glorifies God, whereas the Protestant interpretation makes sin inevitable and robs God of His power to sanctify completely.
The Lord’s Prayer does not justify sin, but rather points to the possibility of walking in righteousness.
In Matthew 6:12, where Jesus teaches “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” the original Greek word used is ὀφειλήματα (opheilēmata), meaning “debts,” not “sins.”
“Debts” (opheilēmata) are not necessarily sins but can also
refer to moral responsibilities, duties, or imperfections in love
and service to God.
Matthew 6:12 uses “debts” (ὀφειλήματα) to emphasize moral obligations to God, including imperfections in love, faithfulness, and obedience.
Luke 11:4 uses “sins” (ἁμαρτίας) but follows it with “as we
forgive those indebted (ὀφείλοντι – opheilonti) to us,” still
connecting to the idea of obligation.
Regardless of Luke’s use of hamartia (sins), it does not refer to willful sins but still connects to the idea of obligation, spiritual duty, and devoted service to God.
To remain true to both Luke 11:4 and Matthew 6:12, this prayer applies not only to spiritual duties and service but also to those who have not yet reached full sanctification and still struggle with carelessness.
This is so that God’s will may be done in the heart of man, just
as (without sin ) it is done in heaven by the angels.