Who Can Forgive Sins

Who Can Forgive Sins?

Shelby G. Floyd

December 29, 2006

When Jesus saw the palsied man let down into the room where he was teaching, he said, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5.) Some sitting nearby were startled and in their hearts thought Jesus was guilty of blasphemy. They asked, “Who can forgive sins but God only?” (Mark 2:7.)

Which Is Easier To Say?

Christ who knows the hearts of men asked them, “Is it easier to say your sins are forgiven or take up your bed and walk?” (Mark 2:9.) The key word is “say.” It is definitely easier to say “your sins are forgiven.” This would be hard to verify because it would be an act that would be inward and invisible. To tell a paralytic to take up his bed and walk would be more difficult, for it could only be certified if in fact he did take up his bed and walk.

Christ Has the Power to Forgive Sins

To prove that he had the power on earth to forgive sins, Jesus told the paralytic to take up his bed and go home. This he did before them all. Therefore Christ demonstrated the ultimate purpose of all his miracles, signs and wonders. They were to confirm his identity as “the Son of Man” who also was the “Son of God.” Christ was the Son of Man according to the flesh and the Son of God according to the Spirit. (Roman 1:3-4.) The miracles of Christ and the apostles confirm that Jesus was who he claimed to be and that the word of God is immutable. (Mark 16:15-20; John 20:30-31.)