Now there is an odd doctrine. Forgiveness must be asked for and then it will be given. Example Jesus forgave his executioners...because they asked? Hmmm...I missed that part in the story line. Can you help us here?
First, I want to make clear I don't "do" doctrine. :-) I adhere to Catholic doctrine first and foremost and if I state something contrary to it, dismiss what I say.
You are right. Jesus' executioners didn't ask for forgiveness making the Lord's forgiveness a radical act of grace and self-giving. Perhaps He foresaw their asking for forgiveness in a future we are not privy to. We just don't know.
Yet, there it is also a fact that forgiveness doesn't come cheap; grace is free but not cheap. People sin; some repent, some do not; some ask for forgiveness and some do not but both groups are not forgiven just the same. Christians are not to be universalists. There is a hell and hell is forever.
The fact remains, though, that forgiveness and redemption was obtained for us by Jesus and his life, death, and resurrection.
~Theo