Topical Bible: Power of Christ: Forgiving Sins

Bible > Topical > Power of Christ

◄ Power of Christ: Forgiving Sins ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The power of Christ to forgive sins is a central tenet of Christian theology, underscoring His divine authority and the redemptive purpose of His earthly ministry. This power is vividly illustrated in several key passages of the New Testament, where Jesus not only heals physical ailments but also addresses the spiritual condition of individuals by forgiving their sins.

Biblical Instances of Forgiveness

One of the most notable instances is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus heals a paralytic. In Matthew 9:2-6 , it is written: "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.' At 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.'"

This passage highlights the dual nature of Christ's miracles, serving both as acts of compassion and as demonstrations of His divine authority. The scribes' reaction underscores the radical nature of Jesus' claim, as the forgiveness of sins was understood to be a prerogative of God alone.

Theological Significance

The authority of Christ to forgive sins is not merely a demonstration of His power but is deeply connected to His identity as the Son of God and the promised Messiah. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus' ability to forgive sins is again emphasized in the healing of the paralytic (Mark 2:5-12). Here, Jesus explicitly states, "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." (Mark 2:10). This declaration is a direct assertion of His divine authority and mission.

Furthermore, the power to forgive sins is integrally linked to the New Covenant established through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. In the Last Supper narrative, Jesus speaks of His blood "poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:28). This sacrificial act fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and establishes a new means of reconciliation between God and humanity.

Christ's Compassion and Mercy

The forgiveness of sins by Christ is also a profound expression of His compassion and mercy. In the account of the sinful woman who anoints Jesus' feet in Luke 7:36-50, Jesus acknowledges her faith and forgives her sins, saying, "Your sins are forgiven" (Luke 7:48). This act of forgiveness is not only a personal restoration for the woman but also a public demonstration of the inclusive nature of Christ's ministry, extending grace to those marginalized by society.

Implications for Believers

For believers, the power of Christ to forgive sins is foundational to the Christian faith. It assures them of the possibility of redemption and a restored relationship with God. The Apostle John writes, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This promise of forgiveness is central to the message of the Gospel and the hope it offers to all who believe.

In summary, the power of Christ to forgive sins is a testament to His divine authority, His fulfillment of Messianic prophecy, and His boundless compassion. It is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, offering believers the assurance of salvation and the transformative power of grace.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 9:6
But that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, (then said he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 5:31
Him has God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Whether this is True: "Christ as Man is God"?
... as Man has the grace of union"; yet not this: "Christ as Man is God.". Reply to
Objection 2: The Son of Man has on earth the power of forgiving sins, not by ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether this is true christ 3.htm

Whether Christ Worked Miracles Fittingly on Men?
... of less account than the forgiveness of sins, does not seem a sufficient argument
for the power of forgiving sins. Objection 4: Further, Christ's miracles were ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ worked miracles fittingly.htm

Of the Difference Between Discipline and Power, and of the Power ...
... with blindness"in order that by this very fact it might be proved that Christ had
had ... "But," you say, "the Church has the power of forgiving sins." This I ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter xxi of the difference between.htm

Whether the Forgiveness of Mortal Sin is an Effect of this ...
... First of all, in itself: and thus this sacrament has from Christ's Passion the power
of forgiving all sins, since the Passion is the fount and cause of the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the forgiveness of mortal.htm

B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11
... have unanswerable testimony to the divine power of Christ, and also ... the multitude
by the manifestation of his divine power was left ... 3. Jesus Forgiving Sins. ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second period chs.htm

Soul-Healing First: Body-Healing Second
... healed until you go to Christ"the forgiving Christ"and let ... through all your nature:
'Son, thy sins be forgiven ... will bear fruit in joy and power, in holiness ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture b/soul-healing first body-healing second.htm

The Unmerciful Servant.
... that God's goodness in forgiving freely for Christ's sake our sins, impels us to
forgive from the heart those that have trespassed against us. The power is all ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/viii the unmerciful servant.htm

"If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our ...
... characters of his name, mercy and goodness, power and greatness ... about the justice
of God, in forgiving sin. ... to the price and ransom paid by Christ, importing as ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii if we confess.htm

Absolution.
... Christ forgiving on earth is a new truth added to that of God's forgiving in heaven. ...
walk, that they might know that "the Son of Man hath power on earth ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/v absolution.htm

Further Proofs of the Same Truth in the Same Chapter, from the ...
... had allotted to Him the name of Christ and the ... of Daniel, who had obtained the power
of judging, and thereby, of course, of forgiving sins likewise (for ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter x further proofs of the.htm