Bible Truth FAQs
WHO FORGIVES SIN
When Jesus healed the man sick of the palsy (Luke 5:7-26), he said (v. 20), "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee." Jesus perceived the thoughts of the scribes and Pharisees, who were ready to accuse him of blasphemy, and so he said to them, "Whether is easier, to say, thy sins be forgiven thee, or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house."
While Jesus was upon the earth, he had the power to forgive sins by speaking the word. When he gave his life and shed his own blood for the sins of the world (Matt. 26:28, Heb. 2:9), he sealed his terms of pardon into the gospel and told his disciples to preach it to every creature throughout the world (Matt. 16:15-16). Through his gospel message, repentance and baptism are the means of obtaining remission (forgiveness) of sins (Acts 2:38). Those who reject his message will be eternally lost (II Thess. 1:7-10).
Jesus still forgives sin, but it is conditional. Forgiveness is available to all who will obey him (Heb. 5:8-9). Don't accept human remedies or philosophies. Put your trust in the one who paid the price.
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