An Affirmation of Forgiveness, compiled by Elhanan Winchester from the Wisdom of Solomon, in modern translation
The following liturgical unit, from Elhanan Winchester, began as a defence of the morality of Universalism. It is compiled from the deuterocanonical (apocryphal) book, the Wisdom of Solomon. It is presented here in the New Revised Standard Version for congregational use.
You, God, are merciful to all, for you can do all things, and you overlook people’s sins, so that they may repent.
You spare all things, for they are yours, O Lord, you who love the living. For your immortal spirit is in all things.
Therefore you correct little by little those who trespass, and you remind and warn them of the things through which they sin, so that they may be freed from wickedness and put their trust in you, O Lord.
For your strength is the source of righteousness, and your sovereignty over all causes you to spare all.
But you, our God, are kind and true, patient, and ruling all things in mercy. For even if we sin we are yours, knowing your power; but we will not sin, because we know that you acknowledge us as yours.
Scripture © National Council of Churches in the U. S. A.