A central feature of Jesus Christ's ministry was his declaration that believers' sins were forgiven through their faith in him.
Jesus Christ's ministry of forgiveness was foretold
But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Jesus Christ's exercise of forgiveness
Luke 23:33–34 See also John 8:3–11
When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
Jesus Christ has authority on account of his divinity to forgive sins
Matthew 9:1–8 parallels Mark 2:1–12, Luke 5:17–26 Jesus Christ's authority to forgive is authenticated by his healing of the paralytic.
Jesus got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own town. Just then some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.” And the man got up and went home. When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
People's offence at Jesus Christ's exercise of forgiveness
Mark 2:5–7 parallels Matthew 9:2–3, Luke 5:20–21
When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” But some of the scribes were sitting there and thinking in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Parables of forgiveness
See also Matthew 18:23–35 the unmerciful servant; Luke 7:36–50, Luke 15:11–32 the lost son
The church's ministry of forgiveness in Jesus Christ's name
John 20:21–23 See also Acts 2:38, Acts 13:38, Acts 26:15–18
Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.”
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.