Topical Encyclopedia
IntroductionJesus, the Christ, stands at the center of Christian theology as the incarnate Son of God, whose life, death, and resurrection provide the foundation for the forgiveness of sins. This entry explores the biblical basis for the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus, highlighting key scriptural passages and theological insights.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of forgiveness of sins through Jesus is deeply rooted in the New Testament. The angel's announcement to Joseph in
Matthew 1:21 encapsulates this mission: "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." This declaration sets the stage for understanding Jesus' role as the Savior.
The Sacrificial LambCentral to the forgiveness of sins is the sacrificial death of Jesus. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (
John 1:29). This imagery draws from the Old Testament sacrificial system, where a spotless lamb was offered for atonement. Jesus' crucifixion fulfills this typology, providing a once-for-all sacrifice for humanity's sins (
Hebrews 10:10).
The New CovenantJesus' death and resurrection inaugurate the New Covenant, prophesied in
Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises to forgive iniquity and remember sins no more. At the Last Supper, Jesus declares, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (
Matthew 26:28). This covenantal language underscores the transformative power of His sacrifice.
Repentance and FaithThe forgiveness of sins is accessed through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Peter's sermon at Pentecost emphasizes this: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (
Acts 2:38). This call to repentance is a consistent theme throughout the New Testament, inviting individuals to turn from sin and embrace the grace offered in Christ.
The Apostolic WitnessThe apostles consistently preached forgiveness in Jesus' name. In
Acts 10:43, Peter proclaims, "All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name." This message affirms the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to its fulfillment in Christ.
The Assurance of ForgivenessBelievers are assured of forgiveness through their union with Christ. In 1
John 1:9, the apostle writes, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This promise provides comfort and assurance, emphasizing God's faithfulness and justice in forgiving sins.
ConclusionThe forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering hope and reconciliation with God. Through His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, Jesus fulfills the divine promise of redemption, inviting all to experience the transformative power of His grace. As believers embrace this truth, they are called to live in the light of His forgiveness, extending the same grace to others.
Nave's Topical Index
Luke 24:47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Nave's Topical IndexActs 10:43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins.
Nave's Topical Index
1 John 2:12
I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Limit of Forgiveness.
... to pardon seven sins of those which his brother had ... to the number which is in units,
and Jesus knew that ... he could not longer reasonably have forgiveness of sins ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/5 the limit of forgiveness.htm
Clifford -- the Forgiveness of Sins
... the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name, who forgiveth ...
lips of the men who have stood in the presence of Jesus Christ, and who ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/clifford the forgiveness of.htm
And in the Holy Ghost. What Has Been Delivered Above Somewhat at ...
... It is not said, "In the holy Church," nor "In the forgiveness of sins," nor "In ... is
declared, we say "In God the Father," and "In Jesus Christ His Son," and ...
/.../35 and in the holy.htm
Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
... Ignorance of Christ's person and office caused them to thus question him. ... [Jesus
did not rebuke his questioners, because the process of forgiveness was ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvi jesus feet anointed in.htm
That Christ was to Come in Low Estate in his First Advent.
... and set a fair mitre [4021] upon his head." [4022 ... is above every name, that in the
name [4023] of ... and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord in ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/13 that christ was to.htm
"And this is his Commandment, that we Should Believe on the Name ...
... This is his command, that ye "believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ." And
this we do proclaim in his name, since he has gotten a commandment to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i and this is.htm
The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion
... Christ's Discourse against the merely outward Cleanliness of the Pharisees.--He
explains the Discourse to his Disciples. ... Various Opinions entertained of Jesus. ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/
Jesus Gives his Last Commands to his Helpers
... and said, "It is written that the Christ must suffer ... third day rise from the dead,
and that in his name all nations ... The Twin," was not with them when Jesus came ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jesus gives his last commands.htm
Further Proofs of the Same Truth in the Same Chapter, from the ...
... has had allotted to Him the name of Christ and the appellation of Son of man, even
the Jesus of the ... king of Babylon in the furnace with His martyrs: "the ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter x further proofs of the.htm
The Person and Work of the Substitute
... of sins should be preached in his name, among all ... of sins according to the riches
of his grace." "He ... death of the cross." "Remember that Jesus Christ, of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter vi the person and.htm
Resources
What is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus the Messiah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God send Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgJesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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