When a [person] gives us self, his past sins will no longer oppress him [emphasis mine]. It is enough for the good of life that God lives, that the All-perfect exists, and that we can behold him. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” said the Divine, making excuse for his murderers, not after it was all over, but at the very moment when he was dying at their hands. Then Jesus had forgiven them already. His prayer the Father must have been heard, for he and the Son are one. When the Father succeeded in answering his prayers, then his forgiveness in the hearts of the murderers broke out in sorrow, repentance, and faith. Here was a sin dreadful enough surely [the crucifixion]–but easy for our Lord to forgive. All that excuse for the misled populace! Lord Christ be thanked for that! That was like thee!

–George MacDonald, Creation in Christ